Geographical Atrophy
The only macular degeneration surgery for the dry form of AMD in certain cases is geographical atrophy. It is complex surgery in which the doctors remove the natural lens of the eye and implant a pea-sized telescope behind the iris of the eye. This telescope is created to enlarge the retinal image of the central visual field. The focus is on a healthy area of the retina that is not affected by AMD.
This device enables the individual to use central vision in the affected eye to see close-up images. However, the telescope can lead to side effects, including decreased peripheral vision, double vision, swelling of the cornea, and infection in the eye.
It is a rare and complex surgery. This surgery was approved in 2010 by the FDA, and the device has been implanted into 600 individuals by now.
The implantation of the telescope device is an outpatient procedure, and the person might need to avoid food or drink before the surgery.