Can I go for the SMILE procedure first but only decide to store my lenticules later?
No. Your lenticules are obtained as by-products from the SMILE procedure. Therefore, the decision to store your lenticules must be done before the procedure as lenticules must be processed and stored within a period of time from time of collection to preserve the viability of your lenticules.
How long can the lenticules remain viable in cryopreservation?
Theoretically, lenticules can remain in good condition indefinitely if they are stored at cryogenic temperatures of below -150ºC. Cryogenic storage using liquid nitrogen is often deemed as the gold standard for long-term storage of biological materials. At these extremely low temperatures, all biological activity is suspended and no degradation occurs
Why should you preserve your lenticules?
In recent years, international researchers have been performing implantation of SMILE-extracted lenticules on the eyes of patients to correct vision disorders including presbyopia, hyperopia and certain ocular conditions. Though scientific evidence on clinical use of corneal lenticule is still going through clinical validation, the current clinical studies have shown that lenticule implantation can help to improve visual acuity. Once the lenticule implantation becomes a standard therapy, anyone who has stored their corneal lenticules can be a part of this medical evolution and be exposed to more medical options in future.
In summary, the future potential of presbyopic treatments from lenticule implantation can offer more benefits and advantages over current presbyopia treatments.
In summary, the future potential of presbyopic treatments from lenticule implantation can offer more benefits and advantages over current presbyopia treatments.
I wish to do SMILE procedure and store my lenticules. Which clinic can I go to?
Please enquire with your clinic or call Cordlife at 6238 0808 for more information.
What are the pricing plans available for OptiQ™?
For pricing matters, please contact us for more information
I am interested to store my lenticules. How do I know if I am eligible to store?
Lenticules can only be extracted through the SMILE procedure. Before offering you the opportunity to store your lenticule, the doctor will first assess if you are suitable to go through the SMILE procedure.
When can I use my lenticules?
The use of lenticules for correction of vision disorders is still under clinical research. When the lenticule implantation becomes a standard therapy, anyone who has stored their corneal lenticules can be part of this medical evolution and will have more medical options in future.
How long can I store my lenticules for?
Please contact us to find out more about the storage service plans we offer.
Is OptiQ™ licensed to operate this storage service?
Yes, the lenticule banking service, OptiQ™, is licensed by the Ministry of Health.
Can my stored lenticules be given to another person?
Yes. Your lenticules may be used by relatives because immune reaction to lenticule allografts are low and tissue rejection is unlikely1.
However, your suitability as a lenticule donor depends on your health history and infectious disease screening results. This to avoid transplant-transmitted infections. The final decision whether your stored lenticules can be used by another person will be made by the attending physician.
However, your suitability as a lenticule donor depends on your health history and infectious disease screening results. This to avoid transplant-transmitted infections. The final decision whether your stored lenticules can be used by another person will be made by the attending physician.
How do I know if my lenticules are successfully processed and stored?
Upon receiving confirmation from our laboratory that your lenticules has been successfully stored, a certificate of corneal lenticule storage will be sent to you.
Where can I get my lenticules (re)implanted to correct presbyopia?
Currently, only Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) is equipped and has the intellectual property (IP) rights to perform the (re)implantation of lenticules. SNEC may sub-license the implantation technology to other clinics so that the implantation procedure can be performed outside of SNEC.
References
1 Riau, A. K., Liu, Y. C., Yam, G. H., & Mehta, J. S. (2020). Stromal keratophakia: corneal inlay implantation. Progress in retinal and eye research, 75, 100780
