Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are implantable optical devices for treating cataracts or myopia. IOLs typically replace native crystalline lenses that are cloudy or otherwise discolored due to cataracts. An IOL is surgically implanted by removing the native crystalline lens and then inserting an IOL into the native lens capsule. The World Health Organization estimates that 20 million IOLs were implanted worldwide in 2010 and predicts that 30 million IOLs will be implanted annually by 2020.

BACKGROUND

Many current IOLs have a single optical power that is set by the manufacturer. As a result, conventional single-power IOLs have a fixed optical power. This requires practitioners to determine the optical power of single-power IOLs before implantation. The optical power of an IOL, however, may not be correct after implantation because the IOL may not fit properly in the native lens capsule or the eye may change over time. If the optical power of an implanted single-power IOL is not correct, the IOL will need to be replaced with another IOL having a suitable optical power via another surgical procedure. This not only increases the cost of healthcare, but it is also inconvenient for the patients and subject to the normal complications of optical surgical procedures.

