Tiny 'raindrop' eye implant could banish reading glasses

Scientists have invented a new implant that could help replace the reading glasses and revolutionise treatment for ageing eyes.

The Raindrop corneal inlay, no larger than a pinhead, works by increasing the curvature of the cornea, allowing the eye to focus properly again, the Daily Express reported.

The process invented in the US, which just takes 10 minutes, was first carried out in Britain at a clinic in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. Raindrop has been made of hydrogel, a substance also used in contact lenses. It was developed at ReVision Optics in California and was inserted using a virtually painless laser procedure.

The procedure appeared to be the perfect long-term solution for people suffering from presbyopia, a condition which makes it hard to focus on small objects and whose eyes are simply getting tired with age.
Mark Wevill, an ophthalmic surgeon at Space Healthcare in Leamington Spa, said that it can't stop eyes from ageing but it could help correct the natural deterioration.

However, it's not available on the NHS and currently costs around 2,495 Pounds.