Source: J&J Consulting

Sight Restoring Telescope Implant Technology Now Available for Las Vegas Patients With End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration

LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwired - May 19, 2015) - Several local retina physicians, cornea surgeons, and low-vision specialists have been selected as part of the continuity of care team for patients of the CentraSight® Treatment Program.

Initial Las Vegas CentraSight team members include Timothy H. Tweito, MD, Nevada Retina Center; Russel Jayne, MD, The Retina Center at Las Vegas; Jack Abrams, MD, Abrams Eye Institute; Paul Casey, MD, NVISION Eye Centers' Nevada Eye Care; Kent Wellish, MD, Wellish Vision Institute; Peter Debry, MD, Nevada Eye Surgery; and the Yesnick Low Vision Center.

CentraSight is a first-of-kind treatment program that utilizes a tiny telescope implant for end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most advanced form of AMD and the leading cause of blindness in older Americans. Nearly 15 million seniors in the United States are battling severe vision loss and legal blindness due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is the number one cause of vision impairment in adults over the age of 60, and as the baby boomer generation ages, the prevalence of AMD will increase even more. In fact, it is estimated that 14-24 percent of the U.S. population aged 65 to 74 years, and 35 percent of people over 75, will develop the disease.

Approximately 500 patients across the country have received the telescope implant to date, and the new team in Las Vegas is one of 100 CentraSight teams in the U.S. No surgeries have been performed to date in the Las Vegas area but local doctors are excited to bring this technology to their hometown.

"A substantial amount of work goes into screening and selecting the appropriate patients for this surgery. Prior to surgery, patients undergo extensive therapy, which trains their eye to use a telescopic magnifier. These patients also work closely with a low-vision specialist to help adapt to their new world," said Dr. Abrams with the Abrams Eye Institute in Las Vegas. 

"NVISION is thrilled to be part of the CentraSight team in Las Vegas," said Dr. Casey of NVISION Eye Centers' Nevada Eye Care. "This is an exciting opportunity to help change the lives of so many people living with age-related macular degeneration."

The telescope implant is FDA approved for patients age 65 and older and is the only surgical option that improves visual acuity by reducing the impact of the central vision blind spot caused by end-stage AMD. The cost for the telescope implant and visits associated with the treatment program are Medicare eligible. Eligible candidates for the treatment must meet other indications for implantation as well.

Patients with end-stage AMD suffer from a central blind spot. This vision loss makes it difficult or impossible to see faces, read, and perform everyday activities such as watching TV, preparing meals, and performing self-care. The telescope implant improves the patient's quality of life; so they can see the things that are important to them, increase their independence, and re-engage in everyday activities. It also helps patients in social settings, as it may allow them to recognize faces and see the facial expressions of family and friends.

Smaller than a pea, the telescope implant uses micro-optical technology to magnify images that would normally be seen in one's "straight ahead" or central, vision. The images are projected onto the healthy portion of the retina not affected by the disease, making it possible for patients to see or discern the central vision object of interest.

Unfortunately, the telescope implant is not a cure for end-stage AMD. As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the telescope implant. Possible side effects include decreased vision or vision impairing corneal swelling. The risks and benefits associated with the telescope implant are discussed in the Patient Information Booklet available at www.CentraSight.com.

About CentraSight

CentraSight is the first-ever telescope implant for end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most advanced form of AMD and the leading cause of blindness in older Americans. Patients with end-stage AMD have a central blind spot or missing area in their vision that makes it difficult or impossible to see faces, read, and perform everyday activities.

The CentraSight Treatment Program allows patients to see again by implanting a tiny telescope in the eye in an outpatient procedure, then coordinating with vision specialists to help the patient learn how to use their new vision for everyday activities.

To find our more, please go to www.CentraSight.com or call 1-877-99SIGHT.

Contact Information:

CONTACT:

JENNIFER HEINLY
J&J CONSULTING
949-716-9829