Researchers conclude that the implant is safe
and effective.
Update: Telescope
eye implant for AMD approved by FDA. Click here to
read more >>
At the 2007 American Society of Cataract &
Refractive Surgeons Symposium, study results for an
intraocular telescopic implant were presented.
According to clinical data, the first two patients
in the second generation study demonstrated
considerable improvement in both distance and near
vision.
Dr. Isaac Lipshitz, namesake of the Lipshitz Macular
Implant (LMI), says the implant is a promising
solution for those suffering from macular diseases,
like
macular degeneration.
The device is implanted into the
lens area, behind
the
iris. It enhances vision by magnifying
images entering the eye by 2.5 times. This
larger image allows the peripheral
retina, which is
typically unaffected by macular problems, to pick up
some of the image. Magnifying the image two
and one half times allows the healthy peripheral
retina to be utilized more than normal for vision.
It's as if the patient has a permanent magnifying
device in front of their eye.
The very first study patient's distance vision
improved from 20/120 to 20/60 and achieved even
better results at reading distances.
Dr. Lipshitz estimates that the implant can be
beneficial for up to 80% of patients who suffer from
macular degeneration.
This procedure is still under investigation.
Check back with
www.MaculaCenter.com for further study and
research results.
Update: Dr. Deupree
does not perform
telescopic eye implants. The procedure was
approved July, 2010 by the FDA.
More info:
http://www.visioncareinc.net/technology
ref: Retina Today, May/June 2007; updated 7/8/2010 |
