Macular Degeneration Telescope
Macular Degeneration Research
The implantable telescope helps to improve vision for those who have advanced macular degeneration.Macular degeneration research for the implantable device began in 2006 at 28 eye centers in the United States. However, the telescope has already been approved for use in Europe. Well known eye centers like Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute inBaltimore, Maryland and Emory Eye Center in Atlanta were some of the study sites. Over 200 patients participated in the study. Patients have experienced improved vision and improved quality of life. It does not restore lost vision to normal vision but does restore some of the lost central vision. Patients are able to see things they were not able to see before such as see faces and writings in books or magazines. The FDA website reports these results: "In a 219-patient, multi-center clinical study of the Implantable Macular Degeneration Telescope, 90 percent of patients achieved at least a 2-line gain in either their distance or best-corrected visual acuity, and 75 percent of patients improved their level of vision from severe or profound impairment to moderate impairment." How it WorksThe implantable telescope is placed into the eye with the poorest vision. The telescope actually replaces the existing lens and magnifies images 2.5x.Cornea specialists who are trained by Vision Care perform the implant procedure. 
It is approximately a one hour out patient procedure. "It absolutely functions as a telescope," said Kathryn Colby, MD, of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. "It has two wide-angle, high-power lenses. They are just very, very small." Very small indeed, the device is about the size of a pea. The macular degeneration telescope works by directing light from the new lens to parts of the macula that are still functioning. Patients first try an external version of the telescope to see how it works for them. It's not all over once the implant is in place. Training by a low vision specialist is necessary to teach the patient how to coordinate their vision - with one eye having central vision and the other eye peripheral vision - before and after the implant.
Candidate RequirementsNot everyone with macular degeneration is eligible for the telescopic implant.This is not an all inclusive list. There are other requirements besides the ones listed here.
1. Have irreversible, end-stage AMD resulting from either dry or wet AMD2. Are no longer a candidate for drug treatment for your AMD 3. Have not had cataract surgery in the eye in which the telescope will be implanted 4. Meet age, vision, and cornea health requirements - 5. No active bleeding or treatment for choroidal neovascularization within the last 6 months 6. No uncontrolled glaucoma 7. No history of retinal detachment 8. No previous intraocular, corneal or refractive surgery in the implantable eye To go to the CentraSight website to fill out a form to see if you are a candidate click here: CentraSight Candidacy Form Risks and Possible Long Term Side EffectsAccording to the FDA website,"Because the IMT is a large device, implantation can lead to extensive loss of corneal endothelial cells (ECD), the layer of cells essential for maintaining the clarity of the cornea, and chronic endothelial cell loss.The chronic rate of endothelial cell loss is about 5 percent per year. Significant losses in ECD may lead to corneal edema, corneal decompensation, and the need for corneal transplant. In the study, 10 eyes had unresolved corneal edema, with five resulting in corneal transplants. The calculated five-year risk for unresolved corneal edema, corneal decompensation, and corneal transplant are 9.2 percent, 6.8 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively." Clinical Trial for IMT in United KingdomCurrently several eye centers in the United Kingdom are participating in a study involving the implantable telescope.The stated purpose of the study is: "Evaluation of pre and post−implantation management of patients with end−stage age−related macular degeneration (AMD) who have been implanted with the implantable telescope (IMT) under CE Mark indicated use. This study is designed to evaluate in particular the optimal parameters for patient selection for use of this device in routine clinical practice." The requirements for this study are: At least 55 years of age Bilateral visual impairment due to geographic atrophy or disciform scars Evidence of cataract NO prior cataract or refractive surgery in the study eye NO active wet AMD or choroidal neovascularization (CNV) To find out more about this study, where it is being offered in the United Kingdom and how to contact the researchers click here:
Clinical Trial for IMT in United Kingdom
5 Year Follow-up StudyAll patients who received the implantable device who were enrolled in the IMT-002 trial were asked to participate in a 5 year follow-up study. This study will monitor long-term safety.Patients will be examined at six-month intervals up to a total of 5 years following implantation. They will be monitored for possible complications such as rates of corneal transplant, retinal detachments and corneal edema. Go from Macular Degeneration Telescope to Macular Degeneration Treatment
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