Discover the KAMRA Inlay for Near Vision

How the KAMRA Inlay Works

The KAMRA inlay sits in the first few layers of the eye, known as 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 your eye. The KAMRA inlay is placed in only one of your eyes, allowing you to see up close, while maintaining your distance vision in both eyes. Your non-KAMRA eye is left untouched. Working together, the eyes allow you to see near and far. This is similar to monovision laser vision correction, which corrects one eye for near and one eye for distance.

kamra inlay and contact lens size comparison

Life Before the KAMRA Inlay:  When the natural focusing ability of the eye diminishes, blurry near vision develops. The images you see are focused behind the retina instead of onto it, resulting in a blurry image as you try to read things up close.

eye diagram before kamra inlay

How the KAMRA Inlay Helps

The KAMRA inlay treatment is an eye procedure that restores near vision and frees you from the constant frustrations of reading glasses. The KAMRA corneal inlay sits in the first few layers of the eye, known as the cornea. Smaller and thinner than a contact lens, the KAMRA inlay is a mini-ring with an opening – or pinhole – in the center. The inlay uses this pinhole to focus light coming into the eye. This restores near vision while maintaining distance vision.

eye diagram after kamra inlay

Life After the KAMRA Inlay: With the KAMRA corneal inlay, unfocused light is blocked, making near vision clear. Read more detailed information about FDA labeling for the technology mentioned here.

Your KAMRA Inlay Procedure From Start to Finish

From start to finish, the KAMRA inlay procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes. Numbing drops are used to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. You may feel slight pressure while the doctor uses a laser to create a small opening in your cornea. However, it only lasts a few seconds.

The corneal inlay is then placed within the opening. After the procedure, when the numbing drops wear off, your eyes may feel irritated or scratchy, and you may also experience some watering eyes or light sensitivity. This is normal. Your doctor will provide medications to help you manage these symptoms.

KAMRA Inlay Recovery Guide

As with any vision correction eye surgery, healing is a process. Adhering to your doctor’s recovery instructions will accelerate your progress. It is important to remember that the pace of near vision improvement varies by individual. While some patients see an improvement in near vision within the first week to a month, others may require additional time to heal. Most patients resume normal activities and return to work within 24 to 48 hours.

To enhance your recovery and near vision improvement, you should:

  • Avoid using your reading glasses
  • Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor, including artificial tears
  • Keep your follow-up appointments with your doctor

It is typical to experience some fluctuations in your vision in the first three to six months after vision correction surgery. This is often a sign of dry eye or your brain adapting to the new vision. These will likely stabilize. The key to success is to be patient with the recovery process and diligent in following your doctor’s instructions.

 To learn more, watch this short video animation of the KAMRA inlay procedure.