A Tristate woman has become the third person nationwide to receive an experimental implantable contact lens under development by STAAR Surgical Co., based in Monrovia, Calif.

        Maria Allen, 38, of Green Township was so nearsighted that with her thick glasses she could barely see to put on makeup. Without glasses, she was legally blind.

        She visited Dr. David Schneider of the Midwest Eye Center to consider laser eye surgery. But Dr. Schneider said her chances of gaining normal vision were better with the new implant.

        Dr. Schneider performed the surgery Wednesday for her left eye. A day later, initial tests indicate her vision in that eye has improved to 20/20. If all goes well, she will have the second implant in about two months.

        “I've been wearing glasses since the third grade,” Mrs. Allen said. “Now I can't wait to get the other eye done. I'm very, very happy.”

        The implants are intended for people with severe near-sightedness and astigmatism, many of whom cannot qualify for other types of eye surgery. The implants are placed behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) but in front of the eye's natural lens.

        The implants then function much like a contact lens, bending light back into proper focus for people with poor vision. The process is similar to cataract surgery, but in this case the doctor does not have to remove a clouded natural lens.

        “This is just remarkable technology,” Dr. Schneider said.

        The first such implant was performed Aug. 29 in Madison, Wis. Overall, the clinical trial is expected to involve 125 people who will be followed for a year to see if they suffer any surprise side effects.

        The Midwest Eye Center is one of five centers nationwide involved with the clinical trial. For information, call 513-752-5700.

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