New add-on intraocular lens for patients with age-related macular degeneration

We present a new option for visual rehabilitation of patients with advanced macular degeneration and evaluate the outcomes in the first 8 patients who had implantation of the ciliary sulcus-fixated macular add-on intraocular lens (IOL) (Scharioth Macula Lens) at our institute. The surgical technique for implantation of the add-on IOL is described. Near vision improved in 7 eyes and was stable in 1 eye. The corrected near visual acuity improved by 4.4 lines with the macular add-on IOL at 15 cm versus with glasses at 40 cm; it improved by 2.1 lines with the macular add-on IOL at 15 cm versus with glasses at 15 cm. Distance vision was stable in all eyes. No intraoperative or postoperative complication occurred. The macular add-on IOL has the potential of improving near vision and reading ability in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration.

Dr. Scharioth is a consultant to Alcon Laboratories, Inc., and Medicontur Ltd. He is the inventor of the Scharioth Macula Lens and receives royalties.