Laser-intraocular lenses interaction: Aspects to consider for in situ vision correction

Abstract

Today, 60 years after the laser discovery, the long experience in refractive surgery, the evaluation of the accumulated clinical outcomes and the limitations of kerato- refractive surgery generated the demand to develop alternative methods for treating vision defects. In the frame of this new philosophy for vision correction, the use of polymeric intraocular lenses (IOLs) provides sufficient predictability and optical quality. The new Ophthalmology era takes their use one step further, through the IOLs’ customization, aiming at the long desired personalized treatment. Inspired by the need to correct some post-operative complications in cataract surgery and IOLs implantation, the laser use is proposed, for in situ refractive modification of the implanted polymeric material, without any alteration in IOL’s light transmittance behavior. In this work we present a brief literature overview of new perspectives in this field, enriched with some of our experimental studies. Through discussion of the laser-material interactions we intend to present the prospects, the limitations and the aspects that have to be considered in the route for in situ laser-based IOL- surgery and finally, vision correction.