This device was recently approved by the FDA for use in patients living with bilateral end-stage age-related macular degeneration who are age 65 or older. The telescope implant is the only FDA approved surgical device for end-stage AMD and is Medicare eligible. The surgery was performed at Hoffman Estates Surgery Center at St. Alexius Medical Canter. Patients previously had to travel to downtown Chicago to Rush University Medical Center, the leading site for IMT implantation. Dr. Majmudar is also an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Rush University Medical Center.
CentraSight®
The telescope implant is the integral component of VisionCare’s comprehensive treatment program calledCentraSight®, which helps patients follow the steps necessary for proper diagnosis, surgical evaluation, implantation and postoperative care. The telescope implant improves visual acuity and quality of life for suitable patients with AMD whose sight is permanently obstructed by a blind spot in their central vision, making it difficult or impossible to see faces, read, and perform everyday activities such as watching TV, preparing meals, and self-care.End-stage AMD is uncorrectable by any other treatment including glasses, vitamins, drugs or cataract surgery and is associated with increased stress and depression as vision diminishes.
Advances in AMD Treatment
“In the last several years, there have been many advances in the treatment of severe “wet” macular degeneration”, said Dr. Majmudar. “However, a significant percentage of patients will still end up with scarring in the central retina that will prevent them from being able to do the things most of us take for granted – like seeing our children’s or our grandchildren’s faces, or reading a book. The inability to do certain tasks like writing a check can severely limit a patient’s independence. The IMT might just help to restore some sight to these patients when no other alternatives exist.”
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older, affecting an estimated 15 million people.Of those, 2 million Americans are living with end-stage AMDiiiand that number will increase as the Baby Boomer cohort ages.
Dr. Majmudar warns that the telescope implant is not a cure for End-stage AMD. As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the telescope implant, and patients should discuss whether they might be a candidate for this technology with their eye care provider.
Implantable Miniature Telescope
The Implantable Miniature Telescope (by Dr. Isaac Lipshitz) is indicated to improve vision in patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age with stable severe to profound vision impairment (best-corrected distance visual acuity 20/160 to 20/800) caused by bilateral central scotomas (blind areas) associated with end-stage AMD. This level of visual impairment constitutes statutory (legal) blindness. Smaller than a pea, the telescope is implanted in one eye in an outpatient surgical procedure. In the implanted eye, the device renders enlarged central vision images over a wide area of the retina to improve central vision, while the non-operated eye provides peripheral vision for mobility and orientation.
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Patients and physicians can learn more about the telescope implant by calling or contacting us today.
