Accommodating intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With the advent of interest in accommodative lenses as a solution for presbyopia and the growing baby-boomer demographic, ophthalmic surgeons will have the opportunity to provide this technology to facilitate near, intermediate, and distance vision for their patients.

RECENT FINDINGS: At present, six corporate entities and lens designs are attempting to commercialize accommodative intraocular lens devices. One Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trial has been completed and the first FDA-approved accommodating lens is available.

SUMMARY: For the first time, ophthalmic surgeons will be able to provide a full range of visual focus in each eye of a patient to maintain binocular function while also avoiding the unwanted mesopic and scotopic visual disturbances that are experienced with monovision and multifocal lens technologies. Accommodative intraocular lenses could revolutionize not only cataract visual rehabilitation but also the surgical approach to presbyopia.