For the first time ever in Long Island, surgeons at Stahl Eyecare Experts can now perform the revolutionary new telescope implant procedure for patients with End-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in an outpatient setting. The telescope implant is integral to CentraSight® (www.CentraSight.com), a patient care program for treating patients with this most advanced form of AMD and the leading cause of blindness in older Americans.
The telescope implant is FDA approved for patients age 65 and older, and is the only surgical option that improves visual acuity by reducing the impact of the central vision blind spot caused by end-stage AMD. The cost for the telescope implant and visits associated with the treatment program are Medicare eligible. Eligible candidates for the treatment must meet other indications for implantation as well.
Smaller than a pea, the telescope implant uses micro-optical technology to magnify images which would normally be seen in one’s “straight ahead” or central vision. The images are projected onto the healthy portion of the retina not affected by the disease, making it possible for patients to see or discern the central vision object of interest.
Patients with End-stage AMD have a central blind spot. This vision loss makes it difficult or impossible to see faces, read, and perform everyday activities such as watching TV, preparing meals, and self-care. The telescope implant has been demonstrated in clinical trials to improve quality of life by improving patients’ vision, so they can see the things that are important to them, increase their independence, and re-engage in everyday activities. It also may help patients in social settings as it may allow them to recognize faces and see the facial expressions of family and friends.
“The telescope implant is an excellent new treatment option for our End-stage AMD patients, who up until now have had no options for missing areas in their vision,” says Thierry Hufnagel M.D., surgeon at Stahl Eyecare Experts. “The implant offers new hope for our patients and allows them to once again complete simple daily tasks and to regain their independence.”
The CentraSight Treatment Program focuses on comprehensive patient care, requiring prospective patients to undergo medical, visual and functional evaluation to determine if they may be good candidates. A unique aspect of the evaluation is the ability to simulate what a person may expect to see once the telescope is implanted to determine if the possible improvement will meet the patient’s expectations.
The telescope procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. The telescope implant is not a cure for End-stage AMD. As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the telescope implant. Possible side effects include decreased vision or vision impairing corneal swelling. The risks and benefits associated with the telescope implant are discussed in the Patient Information Booklet available at www.CentraSight.com.
Patients and physicians can find more information about the telescope implant and related treatment program at www.CentraSight.com or by calling 1-877-99SIGHT.
