What is the KAMRA Inlay & How Does it Work?
The KAMRA inlay helps end blurry near vision and reduces the constant frustrations of reading glasses for those with presbyopia. It provides a natural range of vision from near to far. It also offers long-term performance to help patients continue to enjoy clear vision over time, even as presbyopia progresses. The KAMRA inlay is ideal for people looking to no longer depend on reading glasses or contact lenses for their everyday activities.
The inlay sits in the first refractive surface of the eye, the cornea. Smaller and thinner than a contact lens, the inlay is a mini-ring with an opening, or pinhole, in the center. This pinhole allows only focused light to enter the eye. The KAMRA inlay is placed in only one eye, allowing patients to see up close while maintaining distance vision in both eyes. Working together, the eyes allow patients to see near to far. This is unlike monovision laser vision correction, which corrects one eye for near and one eye for distance and does not last over time.
How to Prepare for Your Procedure
Decrease Caffeine Intake
On the day of your procedure, please consume only a minimal amount of caffeine prior to your procedure. It is best that you are able to sleep after your procedure to help in the healing process.
Minimize Your Morning Routine
Do not wear any makeup, hair products, perfume, aftershave or lotion on the day of your procedure.
Follow Your Normal Meal Schedule
Do not change your eating habits prior to the procedure. Please discuss any medications you are currently taking with your doctor prior to the day of your procedure.
Bring a Friend
It will be necessary to arrange for someone to bring you in for the procedure and pick you up once the procedure is completed. Your guest is more than welcome to accompany you through your procedure. If they wish, they may watch your procedure live from our “friends and family viewing area.” If your guest chooses not to view the procedure, they may wait in our comfortable lounge or simply return to the center one hour after your arrival time.
Review the Informed Consent Document
Take the time to read the Informed Consent document prior to the day of your procedure. Please do not sign the document until you are with your surgeon on the day of your procedure. Additionally, if you happen to develop a cold sore the week of your surgery, please call us to let us know. For your safety, it may be best to reschedule your procedure if you have a cold sore.
What to Expect Day of Procedure
Arrive on Time
Plan to arrive at your scheduled check-in time.
Confirm Payment
Complete the financial arrangements for your procedure.
Overview Session
Meet with our doctors and staff to review your procedure and the plans for your post-operative care.
Meet the Surgeon
Meet with your surgeon to go over the detailed plan for your procedure.
Prepare for the Procedure
Receive relaxation medication to reduce your anxiety and Aleve to decrease discomfort after your procedure. Please let our doctors and staff know if you would prefer not to take the relaxation medication.
The Procedure
The procedure takes 5-10 minutes per eye. Only numbing eye drops are used as an anesthetic. Our team will make sure you are comfortable and will talk you through the entire process.
After the Procedure
After a final check by one of our doctors, you will be on your way home to rest with your eyes closed for the first several hours. You may take the additional relaxation medication that is provided if necessary to help you relax or sleep. Total office time is approximately 1.5-2 hours.
KAMRA Procedure – Things To Do
Rest
Resting or sleeping is the best remedy for any post-operative discomfort. Use the additional Valium that is provided, if necessary, and get some rest.
Use Your Eye Drops
Start using your prescription eye drops as soon as you get up from your nap post-surgery. Please wait five minutes in between drops.
Gatifloxaxin/Prednisolone Acetate Mix: Shake the bottle well. Place one drop, four times daily into the operated eye for one week following the procedure. Do not use these drops after the first week post-procedure (week two and beyond).
Lotemax Gel Drop OR Fluoromethelone (FML): Shake the bottle well. Do not use these drops during the first week post procedure; however, in week two, three, and four you will need to place one drop, four times daily into the operated eye. In month two, reduce the number of drops to three times a day. In month three, reduce the number of drops again to two times per day.
Artificial Tears: Some patients experience scratchiness or irritation with mild light sensitivity to the lids in the operated eye for the first several days. This is generally worse in the morning and improves as the day goes on. For sensitivity, we recommend Ibuprofen (Advil), in addition to frequent dosing of preservative-free lubricant teardrops (artificial tears). Artificial tears can be used as often as necessary to relieve the dry or scratchy sensation you may be experiencing post-surgery. Nonprescription, preservative-free lubrication drops may be instilled in the operated eye immediately after surgery and as often as needed. You will be using these preservative-free drops for several weeks. They are available over the counter and can be purchased at your local pharmacy.
Wear Your Goggles
The goggles are very important to your recovery from surgery. The eye must be protected, especially while you are asleep as you may attempt to rub your eyes due to discomfort. Wear the goggles for at least the first five nights after the surgery. You may wear them longer as needed.
KAMRA Procedure – Things Not To Do
Do not rub or touch your eyes for one week after your procedure
Patients can experience eyelid swelling, tenderness, and slight redness in the eyes for several days. No hard rubbing of the eyes should be done for four weeks following surgery.
Do not wear makeup on or around the eye, eyelid, or waterline for one week after surgery.
Do not swim or sit in a hot tub for at least two weeks after your procedure.
However, other physical activities (biking, working out, etc.) may be resumed on the second day following the procedure. Do not expose yourself to high-risk activities that can result in a direct blow to the eyes, like an elbow to the face in basketball, for at least the first-month post-operation. If you participate in high-risk activities, always wear protective eyewear.
