A device for people with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
If you have advanced or end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you may be a candidate for a device that is implanted in your eye to magnify images. It is a tiny telescope that replaces your lens and works like a telephoto lens in a camera. Once implanted inside the eye, it magnifies images onto the healthy areas of the retina to help improve central—straight ahead—vision. The device has been approved by the FDA.
The Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) has improved vision and quality of life for many individuals with AMD, but it is not for everyone. In addition to physical requirements, it is important that candidates have realistic expectations and are willing to work with our low vision specialists to learn how to use this new vision.
Are you a candidate for the IMT?
The Kellogg Eye Center team will evaluate patients with end-stage AMD resulting from either dry or wet AMD. In end-stage AMD, the macula has degenerated in both eyes so that you are unable to see around the central blind spot in your vision. At this point, AMD is considered to be irreversible and untreatable.
To find out if you are a candidate for the IMT, please answer the Patient Questionnaire.