iol-vip system
This is a hugely exciting breakthrough that has the potential to offer hope of restoring some of the vision lost in conditions affecting the central macular region of the retina. The term IOL-VIP stands for intraocular lens for visually impaired people. Conditions for which the IOL-VIP may be effective are the following;
- Dry age related macular degeneration
- Stable, inactive or previously treated wet (exudative) age related macular degeneration
- Myopic (short sighted) macular degeneration
- Macular holes
- Inherited macular diseases such as Best's & Stargardt's dystrophy
The macula- an area roughly the size of a small lentil is the central area of the retina and as such is responsible for reading and detailed vision. Damage to the macula from any of the above sources can lead to devastating central visual loss limiting ordinary activities such as recognising faces, reading, coin recognition and driving. Traditionally magnifying 'low visual aids' have been dispensed in order to help patients to cope with this type of visual loss. Many people however find these 'low visual aids' cumbersome and sometimes ineffectual. Up until now there has been little or no provision for true vision enhancement in patients with these disorders.
The IOL-Vip system has been developed by low vision specialists and eye surgeons in order to enhance macular function in patients with macular disease thus frequently allowing for an improvement of their central vision.
In this procedure, two small lenses are inserted into the eye. Working in two ways:
- Acting in combination these two lenses act like a miniature telescope, slightly magnifying the image at the macula
- The lenses can be rotationally aligned in such a way as to divert the image falling onto the macula away from the most damaged part of the macula (often the very central part) and towards a less damaged area of the macula.
Using these two complimentary effects the IOL-Vip has demonstrated some impressive results. In a recent peer reviewed publication involving a series of thirty five patients, all patients in this group experienced vision improvement*.
The potential improvement in vision can be tested using a special simulator. The simulator allows a direct demonstration of the effect IOL-Vip system so patients can experience the possible improvement before the operation. Patients will also be helped to learn to use the new vision with the aid of some simple exercises.
The procedure itself is akin to cataract surgery [see operation] but using two separate lens implants instead of one. Typically a procedure will take around 20-30 minutes and can often be performed under simple local injection anaesthesia. Post operative care is similar to that received in cataract surgery. Many patients will only require one eye to be operated although for a minority best results will be achieved with treatment to both eyes. In these situations there will normally be a short period of around 2-4 weeks between first and second operation.
* Ophthalmology 2007;114:860-865
See IOL VIP telescopic implants featured on national channel 5 news
See IOL VIP telescopic implants featured on ITV's Calendar news
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Results
