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Raindrop is an FDA-approved near vision inlay that helps correct age-related near vision loss, a condition called presbyopia. Near vision loss occurs in most people once they hit their 40s or 50s, and happens to everyone eventually as the eyes inevitably lose elasticity. Smaller than an actual drop of water, Raindrop is composed of bioengineered nutrients and about 80% water suspended in a soft, transparent, biocompatible inlay that is a mere 2mm in diameter and 3 times thinner than a piece of paper. Because it is completely transparent, Raindrop allows light to pass through, enabling near vision correction even in low light. Once placed, it is completely
invisible.
How Does Raindrop Work?
Raindrop is designed to be used in the non-dominant eye.
The dominant eye, the one that is able to see distances without correction, is left untreated to preserve distance vision. Because the brain uses both eyes to create one image, it quickly adapts to having the dominant eye capture distant images and having the Raindrop-treated eye focus on close-up tasks, like reading and using a cell phone. The cooperative action of the eyes makes shifting from near to far immediate and seamless. Most patients report little to no adjustment period, especially since this difference in vision, called monovision, exists in many people naturally.
Once inserted, the Raindrop inlay gently reshapes and nourishes the cornea, renewing its elasticity and improving close-up vision. Within the following week, the average patient gains five lines of near vision on an eye chart, and vision continues to improve in the weeks to come, greatly reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses. If desired, the Raindrop can be easily removed and most patients return to their pre-procedure vision.
What is the Procedure?
First, your Lake Eye
ophthalmologist will apply numbing drops to prevent any discomfort. Then your doctor will place the inlay just beneath the surface of the near vision eye. In just about ten minutes, this outpatient procedure is complete. You will need someone to drive you home, but most patients can return to everyday activities the following day. You will be instructed on how to use eye drops to encourage rapid healing and optimal comfort.
Are You a Candidate for Raindrop?
The Raindrop near vision inlay is not suitable for people with poor distance vision in both eyes, people who have had cataract surgery, LASIK or other surgical eye procedures, or have been diagnosed with dry eye, poor eye health or certain other eye conditions. Raindrop is an elective surgery and therefore not covered by insurance.
If you’re ready to quit your on-off relationship with reading glasses, talk to your Lake Eye ophthalmologist about whether the Raindrop procedure might be right for you.
LakeEye
352-750-2020
www.lakeye.com
