A Netherlands-based biotechnology firm has developed new trifocal intraocular lenses that can help patients with cataracts and eye defects.

The "smart lenses" were developed at the firm's research and development (R&D) center in Istanbul, with the approval of Turkey's Industry and Technology Ministry.

Özge Altunbaş Göktekin, CEO of VSY Biotechnology, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the new lenses can also fix eyesight defects like short-sightedness and long-sightedness, as well as presbyopia.

"Eyesight is enhanced through technological developments," Göktekin said, adding that with greater social awareness on new solutions, cataracts will be treated and the need for eyeglasses will be eliminated.

She said the trifocal intraocular lenses were developed through some accelerated R&D and product development activities.

"Cataracts are characterized by a loss of clear vision after the natural crystalline lens behind the pupil loses its transparency and becomes opaque," Göktekin said.

The prevailing reason for cataracts - also described as "cloudy vision" - is old age. However, certain conditions, like eye trauma, diabetes, high eye pressure, and uveitis can also lead to cataracts, she noted.

Göktekin said that the solution for cataracts is to surgically remove the natural lens and replace it with an intraocular lens.

"Now, trifocal intraocular lenses can enable patients to see at all distances and can also treat astigmatism," she said. Göktekin added that the product will also contribute to the Turkish economy.

VSY Biotechnology serves more than 60 countries around the globe. Its product range includes intraocular lenses, viscoelastic, cartridge and injector systems, as well as high molecular weight hyaluronic acid intra-articular injections used in orthopedics.