For patients with advanced macular degeneration and cataracts, a new life-enhancing option may be available. Rush University’s Department of Opthlamology has continued enrolling patients in a trial for the Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT.) This is a study opportunity for folks over age 75 who have diagnosed age related macular degeneration and cataracts. The trial involves evaluations by a variety of specialists including Retina, Cornea, and Low Vision. If enrolled, a patient undergoes modified cataract surgery with the implantation of an IMT – a more elaborate type of “intraocular lens implant” which renders one eye capable of limited near vision, enhancing tasks like writing and reading. The second eye undergoes standard cataract surgery with a conventional lens implant and is geared toward optimizing peripheral vision. There is a process of visual rehabilitation and training at the end of which, patient may gain increased mastery of activities of daily living and improvement in independence. There are a number of exclusion and inclusion criteria, and the qualification process involves a time and patience commitment but for patients for whom no other options exists, exploring the IMT trial is highly recommended. Chicago Cornea Consultants™’s Dr Randy Epstein and Parag Majmudar are performing consultations for the trial at our Rush office. We are very proud to be a part of this remarkable effort to give patients better visual function.
Learn more about IMT here: http://www.visioncareinc.net/technology
Visit the Rush University Ophthalmology Department page here: http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1298329688895.html
