FDA approves telescope device for eyes

[Elmore Furth]

Macular degeration is a loss of central sharp vision in the eye. Here is a new approach that enhances the vision of the surrounding retinal tissue. The tiny device, called an Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT), is designed to replace the natural lens. The IMT comes in two models; one model provides 2.2 times magnification and the other 2.7 times. It is designed to magnify and project images onto a healthy portion of the afflicted person's retina. It is intended for use in only one eye because the other eye is used for peripheral vision.







Wet macular degeneration can be treated by injections that inhibit choroidal neovascularity. Dry macular degeration currently has no treatment.

http://www.ahaf.org/macular/treatment/common/

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week approved the first implantable miniature telescope for the eye, to treat macular degeneration.

The device helps patients with end-stage, age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of severe vision loss in Americans older than 60

After being placed into one eye, the device acts as a telescope by replacing the natural lens and magnifies and projects images onto a healthy portion of the retina, according to the FDA. The non-implanted eye is used for peripheral vision. Read the announcement here

In clinical trials, 90 percent of the 219 subjects gained some visual acuity. But the treatment comes with risks, warned the FDA. It is a large device that can lead to cell loss in the cornea. The manufacturer, VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Inc., has agreed to include a detailed explanation of the risks associated with its implantation.


FDA approves telescope device for eyes