From an early age, Dr. Abdullah Naqi knew exactly what he wanted to become. His passion for surgery was evident in the smallest details, such as his early fascination with meticulously stitching fruit peels. This early love for precision and healing led him to pursue a career in medicine. In 1990, he was sent to study human medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, graduating in 1997. By the final years of his studies, his future was clear: “I will become a surgeon.” He chose ophthalmology— a field known for its precision, competition, and innovation— where he specialized in eye surgery and soon found himself at the forefront of its rapid technological advancements.
In this interview, Dr. Abdullah Naqi, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgery Specialist at the North American Lasik & Eye Surgery Center in Dubai, sheds light on the latest advancements in eye care, focusing on the smart lens that is revolutionizing the field of vision correction.
The Eye: The Miraculous Organ
Dr. Naqi believes that the eye is not just an optical organ but a highly sensitive system intricately linked to the brain. Any advancements in vision correction must consider how well the brain accepts these changes. Over the past 25 years, ophthalmology has witnessed a tremendous transformation, largely due to the introduction of laser technology, advancements in microscopes, surgical lenses, and high-precision equipment. This has shifted eye surgery from a traditional procedure to an incredibly precise intervention that employs 3D technology and lenses capable of correcting vision at varying distances.
The Evolution of Lens Implants
Lens implants have been around since the 1960s, but it was only in the last two decades that a true breakthrough occurred. Dr. Naqi explains that early lenses were rigid, requiring large incisions in the eye. Over time, these evolved into soft lenses that can be adjusted and customized for each individual’s eye condition.
These lenses operate on precise optical principles. For example, trifocal lenses divide the incoming light into three sections to focus on near, intermediate, and distant vision. On the other hand, smart lenses, also known as Extended Depth of Field (EDOF) lenses, provide an extended focal range, improving a patient’s ability to see clearly at multiple distances.
The replacement of the lens behind the pupil begins after the age of 40, depending on the individual’s eye condition. These new lenses restore the ability to see both near and far, essentially correcting vision imperfections.
The Smart Lens: The Future of Vision Correction
Dr. Naqi believes that smart lenses are the future of vision correction, especially for people over the age of 50. This age group is more likely to develop cataracts, a condition commonly known as “white water” or clouding of the lens. For those under 50, laser techniques, particularly RELEX SMILE, remain the ideal solution for vision correction, especially for individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. For this group, smart lenses are not recommended.
Smart Lenses: A New Vision of Life Without Glasses
Conditions for Smart Lens Implantation
Smart lenses are typically needed when the natural lens in the eye is damaged, usually due to cataracts or lens opacity, which often occurs after the age of 55-60. In these cases, the surgeon removes the old lens using advanced ultrasound technology and replaces it with a smart lens. This process involves precise measurements using equipment such as the IOL Master, which ensures the right size lens is selected for optimal vision correction.
Dr. Naqi emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate candidates for smart lens surgery. For those with minor reading vision issues, a smart lens may not be the best option, as the natural lens often provides better performance in these cases.
Longevity of Smart Lenses
Smart lenses are designed to last a lifetime, with very few instances where replacement is necessary—typically only in cases involving diseases like diabetes, glaucoma, or keratoconus. Dr. Naqi stresses that while these diseases may affect the eyes, they do not cause complications with the smart lens itself.
The Procedure
The procedure for implanting a smart lens involves removing the damaged lens behind the pupil while maintaining the capsule that holds it. The new lens is then injected into this capsule, and the entire operation takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye.
Goodbye Glasses and Contact Lenses
Dr. Naqi notes that after the smart lens procedure, most patients are able to stop using corrective glasses or contact lenses. However, in rare instances, patients may still need glasses for specific tasks, such as reading fine print or labels. Overall, most patients express immense satisfaction with the results.
Improving Quality of Life
From Dr. Naqi’s experience, the quality of life for patients dramatically improves after the smart lens implant, especially as they no longer need to rely on corrective eyewear. One of his patients shared, "I felt like I was in a coma before the procedure." After surgery, many patients experience improved day and night vision, and they no longer need glasses, which greatly enhances their overall quality of vision and color perception.
Rapid Advancements and Promising Research
With rapid advancements in lens technology, Dr. Naqi predicts that in the coming years, we will see lenses tailored for every age group and capable of correcting a wide range of visual defects, from -25 to +15. The self-implantable smart lens, which can be inserted with minimal manual intervention, will further enhance the precision and safety of these procedures.
Common Misconceptions
Dr. Naqi concludes by addressing a few misconceptions about smart lenses. He clarifies that smart lenses do not restore youthful vision, but rather improve the quality of vision, making it sharper and more adaptable. Smart lenses are not a “replacement lens” but a complete substitution for the eye’s natural lens, a fact that many people do not fully understand.
In summary, smart lenses represent the future of vision correction, offering patients the opportunity to live without the dependence on glasses or contact lenses. With careful selection of candidates and the continued evolution of technology, these lenses promise to improve the lives of individuals suffering from various vision impairments, providing them with clearer, sharper, and more vibrant vision for years to come.
Post a Comment