Implantable telescope

From Yenra

The investigational Implantable Miniature Telescopeby Dr. Isaac Lipshitz) is designed to be a solution for moderate to profound vision loss due to advanced, end-stage forms of age-related macular degeneration that have no current surgical or medical treatment options. Smaller than a pea, the telescope prosthetic device is implanted in one eye in an outpatient surgical procedure. In the implanted eye, the device renders enlarged central vision images over a wide area of the retina to improve central vision, while the non-operated eye provides peripheral vision for mobility and orientation.

On March 30, 2009, VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies announced the FDA Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel recommended that the FDA approve -- with conditions including post-approval surveillance and labeling suggestions -- the premarket application for its implantable telescope for End-stage age-related macular degeneration. The implantable telescope is the first medical device to be recommended by the panel for FDA approval for End-Stage AMD, a leading cause of untreatable blindness in the U.S.