Year Approved by the FDA: Approval anticipated in late 2007
Evaluated for: Wet macular degeneration (advanced)
How it works: The Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) was developed by a VisionCare, Inc., and is thought to be permanent solution for vision loss due to advanced stage macular degeneration. The device is presently in Phase II/III clinical trials, and preliminary testing results are extremely promising. The implant procedure involves the implantation of a very tiny telescope in one eye. The eye with the implant works to provide central vision (the portion of vision that is most often lost or affected by macular degeneration), while the other eye works to provide peripheral vision. The telescope allows images not to be focused directly on the damaged macula, but rather projects them over other healthy areas of the retina. This helps tremendously in reducing the “blind spot” which significantly impairs vision in many age-related macular degeneration patients. The IMT device can usually be implanted by an eye surgeon during an outpatient surgical visit. After the surgery, patients must participate in a structured vision rehabilitation program to help them become accustomed to performing their daily activities using the device. An added benefit of the IMT is that because the device is implanted into the eye, rather than being mounted on a pair of glasses, it allows patients to use natural eye movements to read and view objects.
Most common side effects: Temporary changes in the pressure inside the eye, inflammation on or around the device, and corneal swelling may occur.
A thoughtful evaluation must be performed by a physician before taking any medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbs. The American Health Assistance Foundation does not endorse any of these medications, vitamins, or herbs. A qualified physician should make an informed decision based on each person's medical history and current prescriptions. The medication summaries provided do not include all of the information important for patient use and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The prescribing physician should be consulted concerning any questions that you have.
The information provided in this section of our website was obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Eye institute (NEI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Library of Medicine, and research scientists specializing in macular degeneration.
Reviewed on 2/14/2008