Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that can seriously impair central and near vision. As a result, the person cannot see clearly the area or object on which they are focusing. They lose their ability to read at close range. As the disease progresses, the patient can continue daily life only through peripheral vision.
Patients with this problem wish to regain their central vision. They assume that they will be relieved of this problem by increasing their near-vision prescription, or by undergoing cataract surgery. They even hope that the multifocal (multi-focus) lenses popularly known as “smart lenses” will be a solution. Unfortunately, however, patients whose central-vision capacity has been weakened or lost cannot regain their near and central vision through such methods. For this reason, the treatment of these patients must be planned correctly and their expectations must be realistic.
Thanks to intraocular telescopic lenses developed in recent years, we have begun to be able to give these patients the chance to improve their near-reading capacity. Owing to their telescopic properties, these lenses can improve the patient’s near-reading capacity without affecting distance vision, either positively or negatively.
With this method, which we apply to patients who have previously undergone cataract surgery, whose macular degeneration has stabilised, and who retain a certain level of near-vision potential, we can restore the ability to read.
In order to identify the patients who may benefit from this new lens system, a detailed eye examination and an anatomical and functional evaluation of the macula (the yellow spot) are essential. With correct planning and a realistic approach, it now appears possible to offer our patients better vision.
Prepared by the Editorial Board of the Eye Foundation Hospitals.
