Medium-term results of implantable miniaturized telescopes in eyes with age-related macular degeneration

Symposium on Cataract, IOL and Refractive Surgery -- MAY, 2000 -- BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTSWOS: 000172079600016PubMed ID: 11709247Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of an implantable miniaturized telescope, the IMT, in patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Setting. Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department, izmir, Turkey. Methods:Among 15 patients meeting the inclusion criteria for IMT implantation, 3 were willing to participate in this prospective clinical trial and had cataract extraction with IMT implantation. The effect of the IMT on visual outcome and daily activities was assessed over 18 months, Results. All patients had some improvement in distance and near vision. However, this did not lead to significant improvements in the ability to perform daily activities. One patient had 2 attacks of mild iritis that were controlled with topical medications. In another patient, bubbles that were noted inside the IMT soon after implantation were still present at 1 year. In this patient, the IMT was replaced with a conventional poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens. Conclusions. Implantation of an IMT may positively affect the visual outcome and daily activities in some ARMD patients. However, proper patient selection and fully informed patient consent and understanding are mandatory. (C) 2001 ASCRS and ESCRS.IO