Innovation in IOLs and Ocular Optics: New Frontiers for Cataracts and Presbyopia

Dear Colleagues,

Cataracts and presbyopia are two of the most prevalent ocular conditions worldwide, significantly impacting the quality of life of millions of individuals. Fortunately, advancements in ophthalmology and optical solutions have revolutionized the approach to these conditions, enabling the restoration and optimization of vision more effectively than ever before.

For cataracts, a fundamental pillar of this revolution lies in intraocular lenses (IOLs), whose design, biomaterials, and implantation techniques have evolved dramatically, offering a wide array of options that allow medicine to meet the individual visual needs of each patient. In addition to IOLs, other promising optical solutions have emerged for presbyopia, such as corneal inlays and multifocal contact lenses, expanding the therapeutic arsenal for this condition.

However, the field continues to present challenges and opportunities for innovation in the optical characterization of these solutions, the prediction of visual outcomes, and their integration with other diagnostic and surgical technologies.

This Special Issue is dedicated to compiling the latest research and cutting-edge developments in optical solutions for presbyopia and cataracts, two prevalent ocular conditions that profoundly impact the global quality of life. We aim to explore how advancements in intraocular lenses (IOLs), with their evolving design, biomaterials, and implantation techniques, are revolutionizing cataract treatment. For presbyopia, the scope extends beyond IOLs to include promising complementary optical solutions like corneal inlays and multifocal contact lenses, significantly expanding the therapeutic arsenal.

We actively seek contributions that address challenges and opportunities in the optical characterization of these solutions, the prediction of visual outcomes, and their integration with advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies. We invite articles on innovative principles, advanced methodologies, and impactful clinical applications that push the field forward. Further details on the specific topics to be covered are provided below:

• Advanced Optical Design and Numerical Simulation:

The design of intraocular lenses and other optical solutions (such as corneal inlays and multifocal contact lenses) using ray tracing software (Zemax, OSLO, etc.) in numerical simulations.

• Characterization and Preclinical Evaluation:

The optical characterization and in vitro analysis of intraocular lenses and other optical solutions on laboratory optical benches.

• Clinical Research and Advanced Technology Application:

The evaluation of visual quality and performance of optical solutions using adaptive optics-based visual simulators.

Clinical trials and outcome studies in patients with implanted intraocular lenses or other optical devices for the correction of cataracts and presbyopia.

Advances in ocular biometry and their impact on IOL calculation and selection.

Innovative surgical techniques for IOL implantation and astigmatism management.

• Materials and Biocompatibility:

Novel biomaterials and coatings to enhance the biocompatibility and stability of IOLs, corneal inlays, and contact lenses.

• Case Management and Clinical Outcomes:

The management of complications and complex cases in cataract and presbyopia surgery.

• Artificial Intelligence and Personalization in Ophthalmology:

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the design, selection, and personalization of IOLs and other optical solutions.

• Complementary Optical Solutions:

The development and application of complementary optical solutions (e.g., contact lenses, vision therapies) in the context of presbyopia and pseudophakia.

Original work highlighting the latest research and technical development is encouraged, as are review papers and comparative studies.

Dr. Vicente Ferrando
Dr. Diego Montagud-Martínez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• intraocular lenses (IOLs)
• cataracts
• presbyopia
• optical design
• numerical simulation
• clinical outcomes
• artificial intelligence in ophthalmology
• corneal inlays
• advanced ophthalmology
• adaptive optics