Introduction: Astrophysics and Ophthalmology, the eye and the stars

It has been demonstrated that the way of observing stars by telescope is very similar to the way the human eye looks at things. Image is elaborated by the eye fund up to the superficial layers in such a way that, in astrophysics, telescope lenses use mechanisms and changes to correct distorsions caused by the different layers of the atmosphere - the so-called aberrations – in order to observe stars clearly.

It is on this basis that we have understood that it is possible to apply the same technologies used in astrophysics for the production of lenses for star observation to the production of intraocular lenses in the field of ophthalmology; this could represent a great advance in terms of quality, safety and effectiveness for patients suffering from cataract.

MIRA^® intraocular lenses are the first result of the application of astrophysical technologies to the Waterfall project.

Intraocular lenses available on the market

Till now Crystalline lens substitutes available in the market are produced with material, forms and technologies that don't succeed in reproducing its whole biological mechanism. Furthermore, the choice of the lens is effected by a pre-intervention analysis which only gives indications about dimension and dioptric power, neglecting the physical and functional characteristics of the crystalline lens, that are different from individual to individual.

Currently there is no integrated and coordinated system of products able to optimize the surgical solution to cataract treatment, making this solution personalized.

The differences with standard intraocular lenses begin with the production and quality control process.

The precision of the lens is checked continually and everywhere along its surface contrary to what normally happens with standard lenses, whose surface is controlled only in some points and in particular moments of production process.

This type of production makes MIRA lenses more effective and safer in comparison to those currently available on the market, allowing improvements to their own performance and some of their characteristics as follows:

- significant improvement of visual quality
- improvement of long term compliance, thanks to PCO posterior capsular opacification) prevention and retinal protection against light-stress damage
- less invasive operation, thanks to the insertion of the lenses through microincisions.