Scleral gas permeable contact lenses as a possible way of visual rehabilitation of patients with age-related macular degeneration

Low visual acuity, loss of the central visual field, metamorphopsia, distortion of lines and decreased contrast sensitivity cause reduced quality of vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Currently existing methods of visual rehabilitation for patients with AMD, such as telescopic intraocular and scleral lenses, are functionally and cosmetically unacceptable. The use of intraocular telescopic lenses is limited by the high risk of postoperative complications, low functional parameters, as well as by difficult ophthalmoscopy and lasting adaptation of patients. Telescopic scleral lenses have а low resolution, contain impermeable to oxygen parts and require wearing special switching glasses. However, scleral lenses have potential in developing an optimal method for vision correction in patients with AMD due to the presence of following advantages: wide optical zone, gas permeability, correction of refractive astigmatism in presbyopic patients and alleviation of dry eye symptoms. In conclusion, further clinical researches are required to develop a method for improving the quality of vision in patients with AMD by using scleral lenses with an objective test for evaluating the effectiveness of correction – the 3D computer-automated threshold Amsler grid test (3D-CTAG).

Download Full-text

Quality of Vision Index: A New Method to Appraise Visual Function Changes in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.5301/ejo.2010.1519 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 55-66 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Stefano Piermarocchi ◽

Monica Varano ◽

Mahachstina Parravano ◽

Francesco Oddone ◽

Mauro Sartore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Macular Degeneration ◽

Visual Function ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

New Method ◽

Age Related ◽

Quality Of Vision

Download Full-text

Colour contrast sensitivity in eyes at high risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/1120672119866386 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

pp. 1487-1494

Author(s):

Antonio Calcagni ◽

Olivia Howells ◽

Frank Eperjesi ◽

Hannah Bartlett ◽

Alastair KO Denniston ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Macular Degeneration ◽

Contrast Sensitivity ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Reference Database ◽

Colour Contrast ◽

Age Related ◽

Quality Of Vision ◽

Prospective Longitudinal

Purpose: To generate the first published reference database of colour contrast sensitivity in eyes at high risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and to explore this important feature in quality of vision. Background: Quality of vision depends on many factors. Changes in chromatic contrast sensitivity remain largely unexplored in eyes at high risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration; they may however not only be relevant for quality of life but also an early indicator of the onset of the disease, so it is important to have a means to evaluate any variation in colour contrast sensitivity, especially in view of the likely increase in neovascular age-related macular degeneration as the population ages. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study evaluated colour contrast sensitivity along the protan and tritan colour axes in 145 eyes at high risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Results: Colour contrast sensitivity showed statistically significant correlations with age and visual acuity, but not gender nor laterality (i.e. whether the right or left eye was being tested). There was significant variability among individuals, especially for the tritan axis, with some subjects well within normal limits for age and others with very poor colour contrast sensitivity. Conclusion: This study has generated the first published colour contrast sensitivity reference database for eyes at high risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It has also shown a high inter-individual variability of colour contrast sensitivity in eyes at high risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, but the significance of this is unclear. Further work is required to establish if eyes with high colour contrast sensitivity thresholds (i.e. poor colour vision) have a higher risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration over time, and this is the subject of ongoing work.

Download Full-text

Implantation of the First IMT Macular Lens in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Literature Review)

Acta biomedica scientifica ◽

10.29413/abs.2019-4.4.7 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 56-60

Author(s):

M. M. Bikbov ◽

O. I. Orenburkina ◽

A. E. Babushkin

Keyword(s):

Visual Field ◽

Macular Degeneration ◽

Peripheral Vision ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Central Vision ◽

Central Visual Field ◽

Visual Rehabilitation ◽

Age Related ◽

Terminal Form ◽

Special Programs

This review presents the characteristics and results of clinical studies of patients with age-related macular degeneration implanted with the developed for this purpose first macular IOL – intraocular macular telescope (IMT). This lens was designed specifically for patients with the most severe or terminal form of age-related macular degeneration and is designed for monocular implantation to provide central vision while maintaining peripheral vision of the paired eye, which is important for maintaining the balance and orientation of patients. This device allows patients to see both in dynamic and static situations in the near, intermediate and far ranges. The disadvantages of this lens are a decrease in the visual field and depth of focus (which excludes its bilateral implantation), the need for a large (10–12 mm) incision for implantation, which can cause an increase in corneal astigmatism and the risk of complications, in particular, the pupillary block with an increase in intraocular pressure. There are also difficulties in the study of the fundus after its implantation to assess the small changes in the macula or to identify possible postoperative complications after cataract surgery (macular oedema, etc.). Also after the implantation of this lens, there is need for special programs of visual rehabilitation. The patient’s commitment to the rehabilitation measures for the adaptation of the central visual field of the operated eye with the peripheral vision of the second eye is crucial for success of the IMT macular telescope implantation procedure.

Download Full-text

Low Vision Rehabilitation on Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Güncel Retina Dergisi (Current Retina Journal) ◽

10.37783/crj-0040 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 246-250

Keyword(s):

Macular Degeneration ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Low Vision ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Visual Rehabilitation ◽

Rehabilitation Programs ◽

Age Related ◽

Low Vision Rehabilitation

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in developed countries. For many AMD patients, the use of low vision aids and rehabilitation programs is of great help and allows them to enhance their quality of life and remain independent. In this article, the importance of visual rehabilitation methods and principles in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is discussed, and personal experiences are noted.

Download Full-text