Say Goodbye to Reading Glasses: The Latest KAMRA™ Inlay Technology

No one likes feeling like they’re getting older, but our bodies constantly remind us that we are—and this is especially true when it comes to our eyes. As we age, eyes that once focused effortlessly begin to struggle, and we suddenly need reading glasses, that dreaded sign of presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

You might still be able to read a street sign from far away, yet now you’re having trouble seeing small print up close. You’re not alone. In fact, if you’re over 40, it’s very likely that most of your friends your age are going through the exact same thing.

The good news is that there may be hope on the horizon for getting rid of those annoying reading glasses through a modern technique or implant, such as the Raindrop inlay. Raindrop, which has recently received FDA approval, may be a solution for treating presbyopia and reducing or even eliminating the need for reading glasses.

The KAMRA™ Inlay Technique

Similar to a contact lens but only about a quarter of the size, the KAMRA™ inlay is an ultra-thin, opaque ring made of biocompatible carbon with a 1.6 mm opening in the center. When it is inserted into the corneal stroma (beneath the epithelial layer), it creates a “pinhole effect,” much like looking through a camera aperture. This significantly sharpens the focus of images or text at near distances, without compromising distance vision.

In other words, the KAMRA inlay is smaller than a contact lens and is implanted in the eye to treat presbyopia or reduce dependence on reading glasses. It uses a principle similar to photography called “depth of focus.” The advantage of this technology is a broader range of clear vision—near, intermediate, and distance. The KAMRA inlay is a small circular opaque disk with a tiny central opening (1.6 mm).

The KAMRA™ Inlay Procedure to Eliminate Reading Glasses

Inserting the KAMRA™ inlay is a straightforward procedure that typically takes about 15–20 minutes. After appropriate preparation and the application of numbing eye drops, the surgeon uses a laser to create a small pocket within the cornea. The KAMRA™ inlay is then inserted into this pocket in the non-dominant eye, while the other eye is left untouched. Both eyes work together after the procedure to provide a full range of vision.

Healing is usually quick, and most patients return to their normal daily activities (except driving) within 24–48 hours.

Features of the KAMRA™ Inlay

What makes the KAMRA™ inlay particularly unique is that it is not just a stand‑alone treatment. It can also be combined with PRK or LASIK surgery to improve both near and distance vision and further reduce dependence on reading glasses. It has been implanted in tens of thousands of eyes around the world with highly successful outcomes.

Benefits of the KAMRA™ Inlay

The most important benefits of the KAMRA™ inlay include:

– Improved near vision and ability to read without glasses  

– Maintenance of good distance vision  

– A minimally invasive, relatively quick procedure  

– Long‑term reduction in dependence on reading glasses  

The Best Time to Undergo the Procedure

The ideal time to consider the KAMRA™ inlay is typically when presbyopia starts to interfere with daily activities—usually in the early to mid‑40s and beyond. At this stage, patients often find themselves increasingly reliant on reading glasses for everyday tasks such as reading a phone screen, menu, or book.

A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine whether you are a good candidate. Factors such as overall eye health, corneal thickness, existing refractive errors, and lifestyle needs all play a role in timing and suitability.

Can I Have LASIK to Correct My Vision?

Patients often ask whether LASIK (laser‑assisted in situ keratomileusis) can free them from reading glasses. In many cases, yes—it can help.

If you’re tired of relying on reading glasses, contact lenses, or bifocals, there are refractive surgical options available to correct near vision.

LASIK eye surgery was first developed about 30 years ago. At the Asil Eye Institute (AGEI), Dr. Kerry Assil was a pioneer in the early development of LASIK technology and continues to help advance and transform the field today.

Modern laser eye surgery for presbyopia can address reading vision problems using several different techniques, such as monovision LASIK or blended vision, depending on each patient’s needs.

How to Get Rid of Reading Glasses

Wearing any kind of corrective lenses—whether contacts or glasses—can become bothersome over time. At first, reading glasses may feel fun or even fashionable for many people.

But once the novelty wears off, they quickly turn into a burden—something else you have to keep track of, clean, and replace. Many patients ask if there is a way to permanently correct their vision so they no longer need reading glasses. At Baṭal Specialty Complex, we are here to offer that hope to our patients.

Clear near vision without glasses or contact lenses is possible. There are several treatment options available to correct vision, and our team of specialists at Baṭal Specialty Complex is ready to help you say goodbye to your reading glasses.

Can You Really Get Rid of Reading Glasses?

Reading small print becomes progressively more difficult as we age, and blurry near vision can be extremely frustrating. You may eventually feel like you have no choice but to own multiple pairs of reading glasses and rely on them for the rest of your life. For those who have never worn glasses before, this adjustment can be especially challenging.

Until the natural lens of the eye develops a significant cataract that requires cataract surgery to restore vision, many people struggle along with their reading glasses, constantly replacing them or switching to bifocals or progressive lenses.

However, if you start needing reading glasses at age 45 and don’t develop cataracts requiring surgery until age 65 or later, you could be using reading glasses for at least 20 years.

Baṭal Specialty Complex is proud to offer a procedure called Custom Lens Replacement, also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).

This procedure is similar to cataract surgery but is performed before cataracts have developed. It can correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

During Custom Lens Replacement, a customized artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is used to replace the eye’s natural lens. This flexible synthetic lens allows you to focus on both near and distant objects and enhances overall visual quality.

Within just a few days after the procedure, vision typically returns to normal as the eye heals. Over the following weeks and months, the eyes adapt and focus more efficiently, with visual sharpness continuing to improve.

The best news is that the artificial lens will not develop cataracts after Custom Lens Replacement, so you won’t have to worry about needing cataract surgery later on.

Taking care of your eye health means keeping up with regular visits to your ophthalmologist, protecting your vision, and following all medical advice and recommendations. If you want strong, clear vision without defects—or if you are looking to get rid of your reading glasses—visit our clinics to receive the best diagnostic evaluations and the latest treatment technologies.