Age related macular degeneration takes either the “wet” or “dry” form and until recently both forms were largely untreatable. In the wet form of the disease, abnormal blood vessels develop which can leak fluid and blood and lead to permanent scarring but there are now treatments available which can control the disease and limit the damage if carried out in the early stages.

The majority of people with age related macular degeneration have the dry form which is due to wear and tear. This does not respond to the new treatments that have been developed for the wet form of the disease and dry AMD has been considered untreatable until recently. Improvements in visual function have been reliant on visual aids such as magnifying glasses for patients with advanced disease.

The IOL-VIP system has been developed to improve the quality of vision and quality of life of patients with macular disease, in particular dry age related macular degeneration but it can also be effective in patients with stable wet AMD, myopic maculopathy and some hereditary retinal diseases. Not all patients will benefit but for some the procedure offers a chance of a significant improvement in central vision.