Update of Adjustable IOL Power Technologies
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To present an overview of adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) technologies that are already available or under development for changing the power of the IOL following implantation.
Methods
New IOL technologies which allow the adjustment of the power of the lens in vivo following implantation were reviewed at length. This includes lenses that require secondary procedures for power adjustments as well as technologies which would allow a noninvasive adjustment of IOL power.
Results
There are several IOL technologies being evaluated that allow for secondary procedures for power adjustment including multicomponent IOLs, mechanically adjusted IOLs, and repeatedly adjustable IOLs. In addition, there are noninvasive technologies such as IOL power adjustment by the use of magnetic force fields, liquid crystal IOLs with wireless controls, and IOLs that can be adjusted postoperatively by using the femtosecond laser or 2-photon chemistry. In addition, preclinical and clinical studies on the light adjustable lens (LAL) which is under the final stages of a clinical evaluation in the United States will be discussed.
Conclusion
Incorrect lens power is a persistent reason for explantation of intraocular lenses following otherwise successful cataract surgery. IOL technologies which allow for IOL power adjustment either with a secondary procedure or in a noninvasive matter are technologies which will allow for the postoperative correction of refractive errors following cataract surgery.