Researchers at the University of Leeds School of Physics and Astronomy have been working with liquid crystal in order to develop an adjustable artificial eye lens. It is the same material as is found in television screens and smartphones.
The newly developed lens is believed to be able to restore sight to those with presbyopia – an eye disease common in those aged 45 or older. Presbyopia is typically addressed through the use of optical aids like reading glasses. As we age, the lens in our eye will stiffen and when the muscles contract they don’t have the ability to shape the lens sufficiently enough to bring close objects into focus. The liquid crystal can automatically adjust focus depending on the movements of the eye muscle.
The liquid crystal materials are being used in the development of synthetic replacement lenses and could be used in intraocular lens implants as a way to improve sightedness. If the research and testing is determined to be viable, that means this lens could be implanted into the eye in a relatively quick and straightforward surgical procedure. The implant would be done under local anesthesia.
To implant the artificial lens, an eye surgeon would make an incision into the cornea, use ultrasound to break down the old lens and insert the liquid crystal lens. Once the surgery is complete, it’s anticipated the patient would have clear vision and would not have to use reading glasses. The custom lenses designed for this procedure could also be used to combat cataracts.
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