New Technique of Single-Point Scleral Fixation of the Smaller-Incision New-Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope with an 18-Month Follow-Up Period

TL;DR

A new surgical technique for stabilizing a miniature telescope implant in the eye is presented, showing improved stability and visual outcomes for patients with advanced AMD.

Contribution

A novel single-point scleral fixation technique for the SING-IMT™ implant is introduced and demonstrated in a clinical case.

Findings

The implant remained stable throughout an 18-month follow-up period.

The technique achieved good postoperative stability without tilting or luxation.

Stable implantation is critical for maximizing visual potential in patients with advanced AMD.

Abstract

Background: The implantable miniature telescope is used to provide functional vision for patients with advanced AMD. However, despite the considerable cost of the device, there are strict criteria to be met for this procedure, since the patients require challenging neuroadaptation afterward, which sometimes fails and leads to the necessity of device explantation. Visual outcomes also depend on the stability of the microtelescope; tilts cause unwanted optical aberrations and can lead to device luxation, with sight-threatening complications. Case report: This case presents a novel technique for fixing the ophthalmic telescope device SING-IMT™. A 76-year-old female with pre-operative visual acuity of 15 letters on the ETDRS scale underwent surgery on her left eye. The superior haptic was fixed at the 12 o’clock position with a Prolene 5-0 suture, achieving good postoperative stability. The implant was stable throughout the entire observation period. Conclusions: Implant stability is crucial for maximizing visual potential in patients with advanced AMD selected for the procedure, since visual acuity in the peripheral retina, where the perceived image eventually lands, is much lower than the macula. Therefore, there is a need to standardize surgical approaches and use objective follow-up measures to assess long-term patient satisfaction.

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