IOL Vip - A New Treatment for A.M.D. (Age Related Macular Degeneration)
The new replacement lens treatment allows the visual process to effectively 'bypass' the problem area ( macular) and use a healthy part of the retina to see. The result, a significant improvement in vision in the vast majority of patients suitable for the procedure.
Step 1
Suitability for the procedure known as IOL Vip ( Intraocular lens for visually impaired people) is determined via a simple eye test. During the test a lens in placed in front of the eye which simulates the potential of the procedure.
Best results are gained when vision is moderately impaired ( 6/18 - 6/60) and where visual fields are not affected by glaucoma. The cornea should also be healthy.
Step 2
The procedure involves the removal of the natural lens which is then replaced with two artificial lenses. One lens is placed behind the iris and another is placed in front of it.
The new lenses magnify and divert images from the diseased area of the macular to a healthy part of the retina. The healthiest part of the retina will be determined during the initial assessment prior to the procedure.
The procedure is similar to a cataract procedure. It takes approximately 30 minutes and can be carried out under a local anaesthetic as a day case procedure.
Step 3
Patients will receive a pre and post operative rehabilitation programme in order to get the most out of their new vision.
Of the 40 eyes and 35 people in a recent Italian study of this lens, 60% gained 2 lines of vision and 87.5% doubled their reading distance.
Simulated images for illustration only
Mr Rajesh Aggarwal Consultant Eye Surgeon
6 6 Vision
