Frequently Asked Questions Including Expert Answers From Our Raindrop Surgeons
What causes presbyopia?
Presbyopia, or age related loss of near vision, happens when your lens loses elasticity, making it difficult to change your focus to see objects up close.
What is the Raindrop inlay?
It is a tiny disc, about the size of a pinhead. It is comprised of approximately 80 percent water and is placed just beneath the surface of the eye. It works by gently changing the central curvature of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye.
What is the Raindrop® Near Vision Inlay made of?
It is a soft, biocompatible material, similar to a soft contact lens, which has similar properties and water content as the cornea.
How does it work?Answered by a Raindrop Expert
The Raindrop Inlay reshapes the central region of the cornea (the front partof the eye) to provide a zone of increased power for focusing near and intermediate objects (restoring near vision).
Am I a Candidate?Answered by a Raindrop Expert
Whether you are a candidate for the Raindrop® Near Vision Inlay will ultimately be decided with your eye care provider, but here are some indicators that you might be a good candidate.
• You are 41 to 65 years old
• You rely on those pesky readers to see up close
• You would say your eyes are healthy
If all the above applies to you, then you may be a great candidate for the Raindrop® Near Vision Inlay which can improve your near vision without glasses.
The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to locate a Raindrop specialist and make an appointment to be evaluated for the Raindrop® Near Vision Inlay.
How long does it take?
The procedure is typically completed in 10 minutes.
Is it painful?
Numbing drops are given for the procedure, but most patients do not experience any pain.
How effective is the Raindrop® Near Vision Inlay procedure?
Most people who have had the Raindrop implanted see an improvement in their near vision by one week and it continues to improve for several weeks. Patients need to use eye drops for several months for comfort and healing. 1
How will I know if I will be happy with my Raindrop Vision?Answered by a Raindrop Expert
Your doctor will simulate the Raindrop vision with a soft contact lens prior to the Raindrop procedure. The vast majority of patients who are happy with the vision from the contact lens trial will be happy with their Raindrop vision. It is still important to talk with your doctor about the potential side effects and to help set realistic expectations prior to surgery.
How long will the near vision effect last?Answered by a Raindrop Expert
The Raindrop inlay is intended to be a long-term solution. The near effect of Raindrop is significant and stable through time. In clinical studies the near effect has been stable out to 36 months.
How will the Raindrop affect my
distance vision?Answered by a Raindrop Expert
The Raindrop may decrease your distance vision in the Raindrop eye by approximately 1.2 lines, but with both eyes, your distance vision should not be affected.
How does it work in dim light?
Very well. Since Raindrop is transparent, 99.7% of light passes through the inlay reaching the back of the eye where the image is processed.1 Raindrop offers patients good performance in all lighting conditions.
Does it have to be done with LASIK?
No, it is designed to be performed without LASIK. The procedure does require the use of an ophthalmic laser to create a LASIK-like flap just beneath the surface of the eye.
Why is the Raindrop Inlay only placed
in one eye?Answered by a Raindrop Expert
The Raindrop® Near Vision Inlay is placed just beneath the surface of the eye in the non-dominant eye. Both eyes work together to create one image. The near vision is improved in the Raindrop eye, while the distance is slightly affected. With both eyes working together, there is not a compromise for distance vision while still have a significant improvement in near vision.
How is this different from monovision?Answered by a Raindrop Expert
The Raindrop Inlay improves near and intermediate* vision with minimal loss in distance vision in the implanted eye, unlike monovision that only corrects for either near or distance in each eye. Monovision is also a fixed point of vision with the potential of losing near vision as the patient’s near vision continues to worsen.
*Intermediate vision was measured in the pivotal trial, but was not a study endpoint.
Is it safe?
Extensive trials and usage show that the benefits outweigh the risks. The Raindrop is approved by the US FDA. The Raindrop Inlay is bioengineered to facilitate the transport of nutrients through the cornea.1
Can the inlay ever be removed?
Yes, the Raindrop can be removed and most patients go back to their vision before Raindrop. 1
Will people know I am wearing one?
No. It is transparent, so no one will notice there is a Raindrop in your eye.
Why do I need so many follow up appointments?
Enjoy your new and improved near vision, but it is integral to take your prescribed drops, as well as go to all of your follow-up appointments to ensure a better outcome and manage possible complications, like dry eye.
How much does it cost?
The Raindrop is not covered by insurance. The cost varies regionally, but ranges from $4,000- $6,000. Most healthcare providers partner with a medical financing lender to help patients find an easy way to finance the procedure. Talk to your doctor for more information.
How many Raindrop procedures have been performed so far?
The Raindrop was approved in the US in late 2016. We have performed over 1400* Raindrop procedures since approval in the US.
*As of June 2017
I can’t find a specialist in my area. Who is the closest?
Please refer to the Find a Specialist Page to see if there is a Raindrop surgeon in your area. If you cannot locate anyone near you, please contact us at [email protected] and we can put you in touch with a regional representative that can help you locate a doctor in your area.
