Miniature Telescope Approved for Macular Degeneration

A tiny telescope that’s implanted in an eye affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Implantable Miniature Telescope replaces the natural lens and magnifies an image more than two times, the FDA said in a news release.

Dr. Edward Paul, a Low Vision Specialist in Wilmington, North Carolina, says while the new FDA Approved Implantable Telescope has the potential to provide many people with an improved quality of life, Spectacle Mounted Miniature Telescopes are safer and less expensive than the surgically implanted versions. Adverse events reported in the implanted telescope study included loss of corneal endothelial cells that led to unresolved corneal edema with some patients requiring corneal transplant.

“The Implantable Telescope will be available later this year at a cost of $15,000+. Spectacle Mounted Telescopes offer a better alternative with no surgical risks at a fraction of the cost. This is one of the few options for people with macular degeneration” says Dr. Paul.

The Spectacle Mounted Miniature Telescope, which is about the size of a pencil eraser, can improve vision by three to four lines of vision on an eye chart.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people age 65 and older, affecting more than 15 million Americans. The disease strikes the center of the retina, called the macula, which is especially important for reading, watching television, and recognizing faces.

The telescopic glasses range in price from $1,800 to $2,500, a small price to pay for the hours of enjoyment you can have with better vision and more independence. “Growing old and going blind is not your only option. What most well meaning eye doctors are telling their patients is that nothing can be done to improve the vision of patients suffering from Macular Degeneration ... and that simply is not true,” says Dr. Edward Paul. Many patients can drive, watch TV, and read again after being fitted with “spectacle” mounted telescopic lenses.

As a way of limiting the time, expense and disappointment of people who probably can not be helped by the implantable telescope or telescopic glasses, Dr. Paul has determined that asking the right questions on the phone can determine if a patient is qualified for either the surgery or telescopic glasses. Dr. Paul offers a free telephone interview to discuss your particular needs. To schedule a telephone interview with Dr. Paul, call 910-256-6364.

Dr. Paul’s office is located in Wilmington, North Carolina and patients have traveled from all over the globe for treatment. In most cases the the consultation and measurement for glasses can be accomplished in one visit. Additional information on telescopic glasses and Dr. Paul’s research is available at http://www.LowVisionDoctor.com.

Contact Information

Dr. Edward Paul

Low Vision Optometrist

Landfall Eye Associates

Contact via E-mail