Macular Degeneration Telescope Implant: Assisting Visually Impaired Patients Suffering from Macular Degeneration or Bilateral Central Scotomas
Eye Implants Now a Reality
Modern technology has caught up with the idea of bionics that used to belong in science fiction, only. Macular Degeneration patients now have the chance to keep seeing the world around the straight on, instead of just around the edges!
Vision Care Inc. is the company that has invented the remarkable new macular degeneration telescope implant. It is a prosthetic telescope, which combined with the cornea, is designed to enlarge images 3X or 2.2X, (depending on the model used and the needs of the patient). The telephoto effect permits a visually impaired person to have a better range of vision by using the lens to produce pictures of the center as the remaining eye shows the areas around the center. Both eyes are able to work together to allow a full range of vision and enable the patient to continue doing normal things, such as recognize people and objects and to get around without bumping into obstacles.
Implantable Technology
The implant telescopic device is about the same size as a healthy lens (4 mm long with two wide angle glass micro lenses.) and can be implanted during an outpatient procedure. After the implant is in place, the patient has to spend some time learning to use it, much as any other prosthetic device requires practice before its full potential can be reached. Eye exercises and focusing are the main techniques the patient needs to become comfortable with as the learning process continues.
How Eye Implants Help the Visually Impaired
The implantable miniature telescope (IMT™) is important for patients who suffer from bilateral central scotomas due to end-stage macular degeneration associated with geographic atrophy or disciform scar, foveal involvement and/or cataracts. What was once made popular in novels (Cyborg), movies (Robocop) and TV programs (The Six Million Dollar Man & The Bionic Woman) is now a reality due to medical technology. Dr. Steven F. Palter is on the leading edge of this new technology. As an endoscopic surgeon, he understands how micro surgery and micro implants can improve the quality of life for millions. He has written extensively on the subject of implantable miniature telescope technology. Since the FDA has approved macular degeneration telescope implant, medical technology is one step closer to beating blindness.
