Age related macular degeneration
AMD (Age related Macular Degeneration) is the
commonest cause of blindness in people over the age of 55 in the
UK. There are two forms - Wet and Dry.
What is Wet Macular
degeneration
About 10% of people with AMD develop the "wet"
form of the disease. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels
develop underneath the macula. These blood vessels leak fluid and
blood, and eventually promote scar tissue formation. Wet AMD can
progress rapidly and cause serious damage. If it's caught early,
however, laser surgery and injections may be able to prevent
extensive vision loss.
What is Dry Macular
Degeneration
Dry Macular Degeneration is where cells in the
retina fail to function properly. 90% of AMD sufferers have the Dry
form of the disease and traditionally, there has been no effective
treatment for Dry AMD. However there are now effective
treatments for patient suffering with the condition. One of
these treatments is the CentraSight treatment programme which is
offered at Duchy Hospital.
End-Stage AMD is the most
advanced form of the disease and the leading cause of irreversible
vision loss and legal blindness in individuals over the age of
65.
In early, less advanced AMD, visual symptoms
are generally mild and may or may not impact vision-related
activities. However, advanced stages of AMD can result in severe
loss of sight in the central part of vision. This is often referred
to as a central vision “blind spot.” This blind spot is different
than the visual disturbances experienced with cataracts (clouding
of the eye’s lens) and is not correctable by cataract surgery or
spectacles. Side vision, or peripheral vision, is not affected by
AMD, but is too low resolution to make up for lost central
vision.
At this time, there is no cure for End-Stage
AMD and no way to reverse its effects.
What is CentraSight® and the Telescope
Implant?
The CentraSight treatment programme uses a
tiny telescope, a CE Marked medical device, which is implanted
inside the eye to improve vision and quality of life for
individuals affected by End-Stage AMD.
The Implantable Miniature Telescope (by Dr.
Isaac Lipshitz), about the size of a pea, is intended to improve
distance and near vision in people who have lost central vision in
both eyes because of End-Stage AMD. The telescope implant is
surgically placed inside one eye. The implanted eye provides
central vision; the other eye provides peripheral vision.
The telescope implant is not a cure for
End-Stage AMD. It will not restore your vision to the level it was
before you had AMD, and it will not completely correct your vision
loss. Patients with this level of AMD have had to cease driving due
to their vision; after the telescope procedure, although near and
distance vision may improve, driving will not be possible because
the implant does not restore normal vision.
To be considered as a possible candidate for
the treatment, you must first be examined by an ophthalmologist to
confirm that you have End-Stage AMD.
This will involve a thorough medical eye
examination and a review of your medical history, including any
conditions that may make the procedure difficult for you or
increase the likelihood of complications. Your ophthalmologist will
explain the benefits and risks of the CentraSight treatment
programme and answer any questions you may have.
Additional information can be found at
www.en.CentraSight.com.
Contact us
For more information contact ourHospital Services team on
0800 9170022 or contact us via the form below.