Allotex TransForm™ is a novel surgical technique designed to improve near vision in carefully selected patients with presbyopia. Unlike conventional refractive procedures that reshape the cornea by removing tissue, this approach is based on tissue addition, introducing a biological corneal allograft to modify the eye’s optical and refractive properties.
What is Allotex TransForm™?
Allotex TransForm™ involves the surgical placement of an ultra-thin biological corneal allograft within the cornea. The implant is positioned at a specific anatomical location to precisely modify the cornea’s optical properties without removing corneal tissue.
The technique therefore follows a tissue-preserving approach, aiming to improve functional near vision while maintaining the natural corneal structure.
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure is minimally invasive and is performed under topical anaesthesia using eye drops. A thin collagen-based implant is placed within the cornea and designed to integrate with the surrounding tissue.
The procedure involves three main steps:
- Step 1: Creation of a corneal flap using a femtosecond laser, similar to the initial step of conventional LASIK.
- Step 2: Placement of the implant.
- Step 3: Repositioning of the corneal flap followed by recovery.
The tissue-preserving approach is designed to support a smooth recovery and enable patients to return to everyday activities, including reading and working, as their vision improves.
What are the potential benefits?
Tissue-preserving: Instead of removing corneal tissue, the technique introduces a thin biological graft while maintaining the underlying corneal structure.
Minimally invasive: The procedure is performed under topical anaesthesia and involves a relatively short surgical process.
Improved near vision: The technique is designed specifically to enhance functional near vision in appropriately selected patients with presbyopia.
Future treatment flexibility: By avoiding the removal of corneal tissue, the approach aims to preserve potential options for future treatments, where clinically appropriate.
According to reported clinical data, 9 out of 10 patients report that they no longer require reading glasses following treatment. Individual results may vary.
Who may be a suitable candidate?
Allotex TransForm™ is intended for selected patients with presbyopia who wish to improve their near vision for everyday activities.
Suitability depends on several factors, including overall ocular health, previous eye surgery, corneal thickness and morphology, as well as individual visual needs and expectations.
A comprehensive, personalised preoperative ophthalmic assessment is therefore essential before considering the procedure, as every cornea has unique anatomical characteristics.