What are Phakic Intraocular Lenses?
Phakic lenses, are lenses made of Collamar, Hydrophillic Acrylic or silicone that are implanted into the eye permanently to reduce a person’s need for glasses or contact lenses particularly in cases of near sightedness. Another technology advancement, Phakic lenses expand the range of refractive surgeries to cover higher degrees of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism which was not possible earlier. The term Phakic means “ having a lens”, involves implanting the lens into the eye without removing the eye’s natural lens. The principal indication for use of phakic IOLs is the correction of myopia or myopic astigmatism beyond the range of LASIK correction (ie, generally for myopic errors of -8.00 D or greater).
Diabetic retinopathy and Anti VEGF
Diabetes cause damage to blood vessels in the retina and is a leading vascular associated cause of blindness throughout the world. These blood vessels can swell and leak or can even close, stopping blood from passing through. In some cases as an abnormality, new blood vessels grow on the retina.This damage, a long standing consequence of diabetes mellitus is called diabetic retinopathy. It can lead to poor vision and if left untreated can cause blindness and remains to occupy a significant position in the socio economic cost for healthcare systems worldwide.
Predominantly a disease of the retina, but due to this leak of blood in an asymptotic and irregular fashion -vacular and ischemic changes can be found in other parts of the eye aggravating the damage. In recent years anti VEGF – have emerged as front runners in treatment for diabetic retinopathy by stunting and slowing the production of new blood vessels. VEGF- Vascular endothelial growth factor is a protein produced by cells in your body and produces new blood vessels when your body needs them. In conditions like Diabetes mellitus, this overgrowth of blood vessels can obstruct the functionality of the eyes progressing from low vision to blindness if left unattended. Anti VEGF are a group of biomaterials injected into the eye over a cycle prescribed by the doctor to slow the growth of these blood vessels and control the leakage of blood. It is an invasive procedure and can have side effects.
VEGF is an important factor in the development of Diabetic retinopathy. Anti- VEGF medicines such as Avastin, Lucentis prevents damage to the retinal light receptors and loss of central vision. These medicines are effective in preventing further central vision loss in up to 90% of treated eyes.