AcuFocus Release: KAMRA Corneal Inlay Utilizes Camera Technology To Sharpen And Clear Blurry Near Vision For Patients

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AcuFocus, Inc. developed the KAMRA^® corneal inlay using the fundamentals of pinhole photography to focus rays of light onto the retina bringing the world back into clear and continuous focus from near to far for patients with presbyopia, a natural condition starting in our mid-40s.

When Mike Thomas, a photographer, learned how the KAMRA inlay technology was based on the aperture of a camera lens and would give him an extended range of clear vision, he had the procedure done immediately. At 52 years old, he was ready to take off his reading glasses. He is not the only one. In fact, researchers estimate 114 million Americans have presbyopia today and that number is expected to grow with the aging population.

Smaller and thinner than a contact lens, the KAMRA inlay is a mini-ring with a tiny opening in the center creating a pinhole effect. The inlay is implanted by an ophthalmologist to restore everyday vision allowing patients to clearly see text messages, read magazines or view a computer screen while maintaining far vision.

“When I turned 40, my reading vision started going. Looking at my camera, I just wasn’t able to see things as clearly as I wanted to and it just got progressively worse as I moved toward 50,” Thomas said. “In my job, I am judging colors, contrasts and clarity of things constantly. That is why it was so devastating to have to go to bifocals. When I found out the KAMRA inlay was available, it was life-changing. During the post processing of video or photos in the light room or photoshop, I would constantly be adjusting my screen to find the sweet spot. With the KAMRA inlay, the whole thing is a sweet spot.”

Thomas had the KAMRA implanted by Dr. William Wiley, nationally renowned ophthalmologist and medical director at Clear Choice Custom LASIK Center and the Cleveland Eye Clinic. Dr. Wiley recommended the KAMRA inlay because it could solve the issues Thomas was facing and the procedure was a lasting solution.

“We are very excited about the KAMRA inlay because the pinhole effect provides our patients a range of vision that is maintained over time as they continue to age, which is a lifelong solution,” Dr. Wiley said. “The current temporary solutions rely on magnification and must change as eyes age.” Anyone considering the inlay should contact a KAMRA surgeon to schedule a comprehensive eye evaluation. During this appointment, patients will learn if they are a candidate as well as discuss all the risks and benefits.

ABOUT ACUFOCUS

AcuFocus Inc. is a privately held ophthalmic medical device company that develops and markets breakthrough technologies for the improvement of near vision. Using the small aperture concept, two products have been developed: the Company’s flagship product – the KAMRA^® corneal inlay – and the innovative IC-8^® intraocular lens. The IC-8 IOL is not available in the United States. Founded in 2001, AcuFocus is based in Irvine, Calif. For additional information about the KAMRA inlay or the IC-8 intraocular lens, visit www.AcuFocus.com, www.KAMRA.com, @KAMRAinlay and www.facebook.com/KAMRAinlay.