Implants are set to get far more common, with the development of an implantable ring that combats the effects of blurriness in ageing eyes.

The device is currently being reviewed for clinical use in the US after a series of successful global trials, and is already for sale in some parts of Asia, Europe and South America.

Known as the KAMRA inlay, the device is designed to treat a condition known as presbyopia, which causes near-vision blurriness as the eyes age and become less flexible.

More than a billion people worldwide are affected by presbyopia, so the implant, which has been found to help 83% of sufferers, could become incredibly common.

The inlay is a doughnut-shaped ring that is implanted into the cornea at the front of the eye.

At only 3.8mm in diameter with a 1.6mm hole in the middle, the device cannot be felt by the wearer once it is implanted.

It works similarly to a camera aperture, by adjusting the depth of field to respond to the distance the wearer is focusing on.

The implantation procedure is also very quick, taking around 10 minutes with a local anaesthetic.

Unlike previous similar devices, it can also be removed if needed.

“This is a solution that truly delivers near vision that transitions smoothly to far distance vision,” said Dr John Vukich, a clinical adjunct professor in ophthalmology and vision sciences at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

“Corneal inlays represent a great opportunity to improve vision with a safety net of removability.”

Many will see the implant as an appealing alternative to reading glasses, particularly those who have to switch between tasks requiring close-distance and long-distance vision at regular intervals.

Others may also associate reading glasses with becoming old, and see the implants as a way to maintain a feeling of youthfulness.

However many will undoubtedly prefer to keep glasses rather than undergo a medical procedure.

Nonetheless, if the implant takes off it could pave the way to wider acceptance of implants generally. Such devices can be used for everything from tracking fitness and exercise to monitoring glucose, but at present many find the prospect on implants concerning.

This implant may play a key role in changing that perception.

Featured image courtesy of Katharina_z. Inline image one courtesy of Acufocus. Inline image two courtesy of Dan Foy.