Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of IOL VIP (intraocular lens for visually impaired people) implantation in low vision patients affected by macular degeneration. Methods: The system consists in both a rehabilitation and a surgical procedure studied to improve vision capabilities. The surgical technique consists in a phacoemulsification of the cataract followed by implantation of two IOLs: one in the bag and one in the anterior chamber. These two IOLs realize a Galileian telescopic system (with 1.3 X magnification). The practice with a special software allows patients to use IOL VIP implant. 16 patients, affected by different macular pathologies (Age Related Macular Degeneration, Pathologic Myopia, Stargardt Maculopathy) were submitted to IOL VIP implantation (9 in both eyes; 7 in one eye). Mean preoperative far BCVA was 20.67 letters of ETDRS chart (+/–9.08SD) and near BCVA was 3.50J+/–1.53SD. Results: All treated patients reached an improvement in both visual acuity and reading ability, without reduction of peripheral vision field. After 3 months, the mean postoperative far BCVA results of 33.24 ETDRS letters (+/–6.98SD) with a near BCVA of 1.83J +/–1.53SD). Furthermore, patients referred sensible raise in quality of life. Conclusions: IOL VIP system seems to be a safe and effective combined therapeutic technique for central low vision patients.
Keywords: low vision • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques