Intraocular intraocular implants for low vision: A new kind of visual perception?

Author: Kazim Hilmi Or (Germany)

Co-authors:

Purpose

Some of the patients with retinal diseases end up in low vision. Most of them have problems in carrying their conventional LVA (low vision aids). The developments in nanotechnology and computer sciences has great impact on innovations. So for low vision patients there are some new intraocular lenses and intraocular telescopes. The aim of this review is to highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

Setting/Venue

Review of the literature about intraocular lenses with special design in the central area and intraocular telescopes.

Methods

Intraocular lenses with special design in the central area and intraocular telescopes which are on the market are reviewed and compared to each other in respect of optical effects and induced visual perception.

Results

The problem of carrying relatively heavy LVA devices are solved with the new implants for low vision patients. The optical problems are solved to some extent. Extraocular LVA’s are dependent from the distance to corneal apex. They can make the image bigger, but they cannot shift the image with prisms because of the compensatuary movements of the eye. The fixation of the implants in the eye eliminates the change with the location of the LVA and with the eye movements because prims in the eye can shift the imageto the desired location with the better vision capacity. The resulting effect area of the implants can be forseen to some extent. The higher illumination needs are still there with the implants, because of the magnifying effect of the implants. The use of the periferic retina for periferic vision of the non-implanted eye may be limited by the fact that for the central and peripheric part there is a big aniseiconia.

Conlusions

For some low vision patients the new developments in implants may be of benefit. However the restrictions of the optical systems should be known in advance. Intraocular lenses with special design in the central area and intraocular telescopes may be a good option for low vision patients especially with little mobility and low level of compliance.

Financial Disclosure

None