New Eye Procedure
 
by Danielle Dupuy, KDLT
Posted on 22 December 2008

To watch the video: click here

Are you tired of those reading glasses you have throughout your house and car. Reading up close isn't a problem anymore for Deb Velazquez. But it wasn't too long ago when answering a cell phone or reading a book was a daunting task.

Velazquez says "It's just really frustrating to have had perfect vision and then probably around 40-42 I was noticing that reading was the biggest thing. I was taking a class and reading the book was the hardest thing."

According to Doctor Vance Thompson with Sanford Clinic Vance Thompson Vision, Deb's condition of aging eyes is nothing new.

Doctor Vance Thompson with Vance Thompson Vision says, "Eventually everybody loses their near vision and needs reading glasses."
And the condition usually affects those at the age of 40 and older.

Baby boomers are the fastest growing generation in our country and if you're over 40, like Deb, you probably have a lot of these hanging around in your car, home and at work. However, a new procedure may eliminate that need."
The USDA has approved a clinical trail to test a procedure, called the "acu focus inlay". Unlike lasik surgery for distance vision loss, the acu focus inlay is the first of its kind because it provides a new option for reading glasses.

Dr. Thompson explains the procedure is simple, "The procedure involves a numbing drop. About a 15 minute procedure where we make a little pocket in the cornea and put in the little reading implant to help them see up close."

There, it sits securely without the use of stitches.

"With reading glasses, since people have good distance vision they often times forget the glasses, so to have the convenience of reading vision whenever they need it is exciting."

Deb participated in the clinically trial a year ago and has noticed dramatic results.

Velazquez is happy with the change, "It’s made a huge change. I probably took my vision for granted all those years until it go to be were I had to have a dozen pairs of glasses in the house."

Sanford Clinic Vance Thompson Vision is beginning the second phase of the clinical trial and they're looking for qualified participants.

If you are interested in learning more about the free procedure you can contact Vance Thompson Vision.

Anyone interested in participating in this study in the Sioux Falls area should attend our informational meeting on January 13th at 5:30pm. Register online or call 888-522-3937.