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Macular Degeneration: Implantable Telescope Improves Vision
– Reported, June 29, 2013
ATLANTA, Ga. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Americans 60 and older. Once it progresses there arent many treatment options, but now there is a high-tech way that doctors are using to help patients see better.
Macular degeneration stole Jackie Carswells central vision.
I couldnt read a recipe. I couldnt work a microwave. I couldnt hardly do anything. I asked the doctor one day if there was anything else that can be done for this, Jackie Carswell told Ivanhoe.
Doctors suggested she try this miniature telescope.
It contains lenses, or optics, that make an image magnified, Susan A. Primo, OD, MPH, Director of Vision and Optical Services at Emory Eye Center, told Ivanhoe.
Surgeons removed Jackies natural lens and replaced it with the tiny implant that enlarges objects.
Its a three-times telescope, which means, theoretically, it improves vision by almost three-times, Dr. Primo said.
The telescope is only implanted in one eye.
Now, these folks are bi-ocular. The use one eye for one thing and one eye for the other, Dr. Primo explained.
It takes about twelve weeks of training and rehab for patients to master the new device. In one study, nine out of ten patients with the telescopic implant improved vision by at least two lines on the eye chart.
The telescopic implant is helping Jackie keep a lot of her independence.
I was determined that Id make it, and that Id do it. Now, I have and I am! Jackie said.
The telescope implant is FDA approved for patients 75 and older who have advanced wet or dry macular degeneration. The most common risks include inflammatory deposits on the device and increased pressure in the eye.
