Breakthrough in Cataract Surgery Approximates Eye’s Natural Blue Light Filtering Capability

New AcrySof® Natural IOL from Alcon First to Address Potential AMD Risk Factors

A revolutionary advance in cataract surgery is now available in the United States following approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Surgeons at Michigan Eye Institute (MEI) are using AcrySof„µ Natural, the world’s first foldable intraocular lens (IOL) that is specifically designed to filter high-energy wavelengths of the blue light spectrum, for cataract surgery patients.

When a cataract is removed, an artificial intraocular lens is inserted.  Until the availability of the AcrySof Natural Lens, IOLs were less effective than the eye’s natural ability to filter blue light.  The new AcrySof Natural IOL approximates the natural blue light filtering capability of the human lens.

 “A growing body of evidence shows high frequency blue light may lead to retinal damage,” said Gary Keoleian, M.D. , MEI Cataract & Glaucoma specialist, “The AcrySof Natural IOL filters this potentially dangerous blue light without negative visual consequences.”1

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degeneration of the macula, the eye’s most light-sensitive region of the retina.  The disease impacts central vision and may limit the ability to read, drive and perform other activities that require fine, sharp vision.

Research  suggests blue light may be one of the risk factors in causing the progression of AMD.  AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world.   However, the long-term effects of filtering blue light and the clinical efficacy of that filtering on the retina have not been conclusively established.

“With this new intraocular lens, we are able to offer patients the improved quality of life afforded by cataract surgery, plus the potential benefit of filtering blue light,” notes Jeffrey Diskin, M.D, MEI Cataract Specialist, said.  “This is an important advance for patients undergoing cataract surgery.”
In addition to an ultraviolet (UV) light-absorbing chromophore, the AcrySof Natural lens features a patented yellow chromophore that is integrated into the lens material to filter high-energy wavelengths of the blue light spectrum.  Results from the clinical study show while the lens provides increased blue-light filtration, it does not alter color perception, or the ability to see under dim light conditions. 

The yellowing of the human crystalline lens as we age may offer protection against ultraviolet and blue light waves damaging the macula.    The AcrySof Natural lens replaces both the UV and blue light filtering characteristics of the crystalline lens that are lost following cataract surgery.

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Michigan Eye Institute is a leading regional eye care center, offering complete optical, medical and surgical eye services in Flint, Fenton, Lapeer and Oxford.  All Doctors are Board Certified.  State-of-the-art facilities accommodate every aspect of primary and specialty eye care.