The wet form of macular degeneration has received a great deal of attention recently, but VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies of Israel has developed a new approach for treating the dry form of the condition.

The company has created an implantable miniaturized telescope (IMT) which contains microlenses that magnify objects in the central field of vision and eliminate much of the need for external low-vision aids. Implanting the IMT requires an anterior capsulotomy; the device is implanted in the bag of one of the patient’s eyes following phacoemulsification. This eye provides central vision. The eye without the implant continues to provide peripheral vision. Haptic loops hold the IMT in place.

Supplemental reading glasses might be necessary following the implantation, but the IMT has a nominal focusing distance of 50 cm from the eye, so the patient’s vision for normal household and outdoor activities as well as reading improves. The patient can scan the field of vision by natural eye movements.

The IMT is indicated for patients with dry-type macular degeneration and similar diseases affecting central vision. Patients should have acuity below 20:100 in either eye and no other eye disease except cataract.

The IMT costs about $3,200 and it’s approved in Europe. Efforts are currently underway to obtain approval in the United States. To date, 24 patients have had the IMT implanted.