CentraSight Treatment Program Offers New Hope for Seniors With End-Stage Macular Degeneration

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 8, 2013) - The first-ever telescope implant surgical treatment for patients with end-stage, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is now available in San Diego, offering hope for patients with the most advanced form of AMD and the leading cause of blindness in older Americans. More than 15 million Americans are affected by some form of AMD.

The first San Diego CentraSight Patient Treatment Program provider team includes cornea surgeon Dr. John Bokosky with Eye Care of San Diego, who will perform the surgery at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion in San Diego; retina specialists Dr. Nikolas London, Dr. Lon Poliner and Dr. Paul Tornambe with Retinal Consultants of San Diego; low-vision optometrists Dr. Thomas Hixson with La Mesa Vision Care and Dr. Katherine Witmeyer with Carlsbad Optometry; and low vision occupational therapist Laura Nelson with Sharp Rehabilitation Services.

The first-of-its-kind telescope implant is integral to CentraSight®, a new patient care program for treating patients with end-stage AMD. It is the only surgical option that improves visual acuity by reducing the impact of the central vision blind spot caused by end-stage AMD. The implant is FDA approved and the procedure is covered by Medicare.

Smaller than a pea, the telescope implant uses micro-optical technology to magnify images which would normally be seen in one's "straight ahead" or central vision. The images are projected onto the healthy portion of the retina not affected by the disease making it possible for patient to see and discern objects of interest within their central vision.

The CentraSight treatment program focuses on comprehensive patient care. Prospective patients will undergo medical, visual, and functional evaluation to determine if they may be a good candidate. A unique aspect of the evaluation is the ability to simulate, prior to surgery, what a patient may expect to see once the telescope is implanted to determine if the possible improvement will meet the patient's expectations. Post-implantation, the patient will learn how to use their new vision in everyday activities by working with a low-vision specialist.

To be considered a potential candidate for the telescope implant, patients must meet age, vision and cornea health requirements. The patient must have retinal and surgical evaluations to confirm the diagnosis of AMD and assess surgical candidacy. A low-vision optometrist and occupational therapist will work with patients before and after the procedure.

The telescope implant is not a cure for end-stage AMD. As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the telescope implant. Possible side effects include decreased vision or vision-impairing corneal swelling. The CentraSight treatment program involves a patient management process and educational information for patients and providers. 

Patients and physicians can find more information about the telescope implant and related treatment program at www.CentraSight.com or by calling 1-877-99SIGHT.