EVALUATION AND IMPLANTATION OF A TELEDIOPTRIC LENS SYSTEM FOR CATARACT AND AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

The teledioptric lens implant, with a high-minus central zone, was eva luated on an optical bench and implanted in the eyes of 50 patients wi th both cataract and age-related macular degeneration. In vitro testin g demonstrated slightly reduced contrast and modulation-transfer-funct ion as compared with a standard intraocular lens. The lens implant fun ctions ideally with a 1.9-millimeter diameter on the high-minus portio n. Lens implantation was proven safe in the clinical study. When used with spectacles as a part of a teledioptric system, the resulting visu al field was 2.6 times larger than that achieved with an external tele scope. Postoperative visual acuity initially improved in more than 65% of patients. After 1 year. due to disease progression, only 20% had i mproved acuity.