Telescope implants approved

The treatment of macular degeneration has received a significant breakthrough with the United States government's approval of a miniature telescope to be implanted in the eye earlier this month.

This new treatment is already hailed as turning the corner for sufferers of macular degeneration, offering a fresh method to treat this crippling disease.

The device consists of an actual telescope the size of a pea. During surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed and the telescope is inserted into the capsule in the eye where the lens had been located.

Light entering the eye is enlarged three times as it passes through the telescope and into the eye. The result is improved vision because the image is larger when it reaches the cells in the retina and macula.

Patients must note that the actual damage in the macula cannot be repaired using this procedure. The goal is to help the eye use the healthy parts of the retina to compensate for the damaged cells. The larger size of the image means the damaged cells in the macula are responsible for converting a smaller portion of the total image.

For example, patients looking at a family member may have a black hole where the entire face should be prior to surgery. With the telescope implanted, only the nose or mouth may be missing, which will allow the patient to recognise family members and see expressions on their faces.

Because the telescope replaces the natural lens of the eye, peripheral vision is lost in the eye receiving the telescope. For this reason, the telescope can be implanted in only one eye. The other eye is needed to provide peripheral vision to help with walking and other safety issues. With training, the brain can learn to choose which eye to use to look at something up close or off to the side.

The benefits of the telescopic implants are tremendous and include:

1. Improving the central vision acuity of patients (includes blurriness, color vision loss and blindness).

2. Can be used in combination with drugs to treat macular degeneration and photodynamic thepray.

As with any surgery, there are risks involved in this procedure, including possible damage to the cornea. The cornea is the clear membrane that covers the front of the eye.

During surgery, the cornea will be lifted back to allow the eye lens to be removed and the telescope to be inserted. This can damage the cells on the inside of the cornea, which can lead to swelling and fluid retention in the cornea which can affect vision. In some cases, enough damage is done that the cornea will need to be replaced.

MDS elects new Exco

After feasting on a sumptuous lunch of braised chicken wings, fried bee hoon and J.Co donuts among others, the Macular Degeneration Society started its Annual General Meeting last Saturday, July 10.

President Sharon Siddique delivered her annual report, sharing with some 20 attending members the events that MDS has organised in the past year. These include the popular live cooking demonstration during the annual national AMD Awareness Week, talks by doctors and also on seminars on how technology can help those with low vision. She also discussed plans going forward, including the exciting Walk-a-thon at Hort Park in November this year.

The annual accounts prepared by treasurer Lee Soo Mien was in order and approved by the members.

In the election for the new Executive Committee, five of the six existing members were chosen for another two-year term. They are Sharon Siddique, Peh Shing Huei, Lee Soo Mien, Lim Hsiu Mei and Anny Leow. Doreen Heng, who has been with us for the last two years, asked to step down because of personal commitments. The Society would like to thank her for her services in the last two years, in particular organising the two Makan sessions.

In Doreen's place, we welcome member Kym Ong to the Exco. Please check out our website to find out more about her!

The Exco elects Sharon to a new term as President and Shing Huei as Secretary. Kym replaces Soo Mien as Treasurer. The constitution of the Society stipulates that treasurer cannot serve consecutive terms.

Thanks to all who attended the AGM and contributed to our potluck "Healthy Eyes" Makan session. The yummy dishes and snacks made it a lovely Saturday afternoon for all of us!