Houston Methodist Hospital Offers CentraSight Telescope Implant for Seniors with Vision Loss from Macular Degeneration

We sat down with Dr. Rahul Pandit to find out more about this life-changing surgery. Here is what he had to say.

1. 1. What is your background in ophthalmology?

I am an Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Blanton Eye Institute in Houston, TX, affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine. I practice at Houston Methodist Eye Associates, and I am medical director of the Houston Methodist Hospital Ophthalmology Operating Room.

2. 2. How does the surgery work?

We implant a miniature telescope into the eye at the time of cataract surgery in patients with advanced end-stage macular degeneration. It’s an outpatient surgery that usually takes about an hour.

3. 3. What exactly is End-Stage AMD?

More than 15 million Americans have some form of macular degeneration and approximately two million have advanced forms of AMD with associated vision loss. The number of Americans with macular degeneration is expected to double as the U.S. population ages. End-stage AMD results in a loss of central or “straight-ahead” vision, creating a blind spot, and is uncorrectable by glasses, medications, or cataract surgery.

4. 4. How does the CentraSight telescope work?

This blind spot makes it difficult or impossible for patients to see faces, read, and perform everyday activities such as watching TV, preparing meals, and self-care. The telescope implant has been demonstrated in earlier clinical trials and in commercial use to improve quality of life for those with central vision loss in both eyes by improving patients’ vision so they can see the things that are important to them, increase their independence, and re-engage in everyday activities. It also may help patients in social settings as it may allow them to recognize faces and see the facial expressions of family and friends.

5. 5. How can someone learn more about the telescope implant?

Patients and Caregivers may call to speak with a CentraSight Specialist at 877-554-6111. The risks and benefits associated with the telescope implant are discussed in the Patient Information Booklet available at www.CentraSight.com.

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