Evaluation and implantation of a teledioptric lens system for cataract and age-related macular degeneration.

The teledioptric lens implant, with a high-minus central zone, was evaluated on an optical bench and implanted in the eyes of 50 patients with both cataract and age-related macular degeneration. In vitro testing demonstrated slightly reduced contrast and modulation-transfer-function as compared with a standard intraocular lens. The lens implant functions ideally with a 1.9-millimeter diameter on the high-minus portion. Lens implantation was proven safe in the clinical study. When used with spectacles as a part of a teledioptric system, the resulting visual field was 2.6 times larger than that achieved with an external telescope. Postoperative visual acuity initially improved in more than 65% of patients. After 1 year, due to disease progression, only 20% had improved acuity.