Two University of California, Irvine ophthalmologists have implanted miniature telescopes in the eyes of patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration, according to a news release.
The 4-millimeter device is intended to restore a portion of vision lost to the disease.
Marjan Farid, MD, UC Irvine's director of cornea, cataract and refractive surgery, implanted the telescope in the left eye of an 85-year-old woman in December 2011, while Sumit Garg, MD, medical director of The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, implanted the device in a 94-year-old this past May.
"Macular degeneration damages the retina and causes a blind spot in the center of a person's field of vision," said Dr. Garg, in the release. "The telescope projects an image onto an undamaged portion of the retina, making it possible for patients to recognize faces, read and perform daily activities."
Related Articles on Ophthalmologists:
IN's Ophthalmology Consultants of Fort Wayne to Build New Office
Pediatric Ophthalmologist Dr. Arlene Drack Receives Research to Prevent Blindness Award
Dr. Charles Slonim Elected President of FL Society of Ophthalmology