I have read about a new type of IOL in the development stream that uses a small aperture to increase the focus depth of field. It appears to solve some of the issues associated with the existing multi focus and EDOF lenses. It seems that it has the US FDA approval for trials, but has not been released in North America for consumer use? Information about it seems to mainly come from Australia and Europe. This article has some information on it:
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**The IC-8 IOL: Big Advantages Through Small Apertures The Ophthalmologist **
Is there anyone here that has experience with it, or thoughts on how well it may work. My second eye is probably 2 years away, so I am wondering if it might be a candidate for the near focus lens in a monovision solution if it is available by then. I am also thinking it may be a better fit for those younger than my 70 years. One double edged sword benefit of older age is that our pupil size decreases and as a result our depth of focus increases due to the pinhole camera effect similar to how this small aperture IOL. Perhaps it is just a way of artificially aging the eyes of younger people!
I wonder if it will decrease side effects of glare and halos.
I don’t know if it’s feasible to have a lens exchange 2 years after cataract surgery, but if it is I’ll be looking toward the future if my night vision does not improve!
The claim is that it does not cause glare and halos like a multifocal lens. There are some other interesting benefits claimed as well. One is that it compensates for up to 1.5 D of astigmatism without having to be implanted at a specific angle. It does this with the increased depth of field. This is of interest to me as my surgeon tells me I have irregular astigmatism in what will be my second eye to be done. That is a bit of a problem when using a toric lens. Another potential advantage is that it seems to be typically used in a monovison solution where the IC-8 is only installed in the near vision eye. Assuming these are premium cost lenses, only needing one of them would seem to be an advantage.
I do see some potential issues though. While it is claimed to be suitable for younger people, it seems to be best in low light pupil sizes of less than 5 mm. The average person does not get to that level until they are about 70, which works for me, but seemingly not for those at 40.
There also seems to be some concern about subsequent interventions and the mask which provides the small aperture basically getting in the way. They claim there are ways to work around it.
Perhaps these pros and cons will become much clearer before they are offered in North America.