Posters

Induction of transitional compound vision for macular disease by implantation of a novel intraocular lens: a pilot study

Poster Details

First Author: S. Robbie UNITED KINGDOM

Co Author(s):    A. Priovolou   J. Tabernero   P. Artal   M. Qureshi           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Current intraocular lens technology only permits the focusing of an image at the fovea and in patients with AMD this area becomes progressively and variably damaged with time. The Eyemax intraocular lens (LEH Pharma) is a single, injectable implant that differs from existing lenses in that its optics are designed to spread a continuum of multiple images across the fovea such that all viable photoreceptors in a 7.5 degree area are supplied with a focused image. This optical mosaic has theoretical benefits for long-term visual function. This study makes an initial assessment of safety and efficacy of the device.

Setting:

London Eye Hospital, London UK

Methods:

8 eyes of 7 subjects with ≤1+ cataract, bilateral, advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and preoperative decimal corrected distance visual acuity ≥0.25 (CDVA; Snellen), underwent lens extraction and IOL implantation with a hypermetropic post-operative refractive target. Initial follow-ups were undertaken at 1, 4 and 8 weeks. Safety was assessed by monitoring visual acuity, intraocular pressure, specular microscopy, and anterior segment and macular optical coherence tomography. Fixation stability and macular sensitivity were determined using microperimetry (MAIA, Ellex Medical Lasers Ltd). Reading acuity, speed and critical print size were assessed using the MNREAD chart after refractive error correction.

Results:

There were no significant adverse events. Mean pre-operative corrected distance visual acuity (decimalised) was 0.13 (95% CI: 0.07 – 0.19) increasing to 0.3 (95% CI: 0.15 – 0.45) at 2 months post-operatively (>125%). Mean near visual acuity (N point) increased from 0.19 (95% CI: 0.12 - 0.25) pre-operatively to 0.46 (95% CI: 0.18 – 0.7) post-operatively (>140%). Mean post-operative spherical equivalent was within 0.25D of the targeted refraction. We observed improvements in fixation on microperimetry. Mean improvements in reading acuity, reading speed and critical print size were also observed. 81 point visual fields were unchanged.

Conclusions:

This novel intraocular lens constitutes a unique approach to extending and improving visual function in patients with maculopathy. Initial results suggest that it is well-tolerated and has a safety profile comparable to standard soft-acrylic intraocular lenses. The lens appears capable of delivering improved visual function in the context of AMD but further work is required to determine the full extent of this.

Financial Disclosure:

One or more of the authors has significant investment interest in a company producing, developing or supplying product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors research is funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented