DESIGN AN ENHANCEMENT FOR THE SPECIAL SENSE YOU HAVE CHOSEN 2
Running head: DESIGN AN ENHANCEMENT FOR THE SPECIAL SENSE YOU HAVE CHOSEN
Vision is the essential sense that allows humans to perceive the real world. Vision enhancement is aimed to promote healthy vision and also support the normal eye function. Various technologies are currently adopted for visual enhancement especially for visually impaired individuals. The Implantable Miniature Telescope is one of the technologies recently used for visual enhancement. The technology comprises of a telescopic prosthesis that when combined with the optics of the cornea establishes an intraocular magnifying system. The implantable miniature telescope is meant for use by either patient with stable nonfoveal sparing or those with age-related degeneration (Primo, 2010).
Although low vision devices used in the past were mainly extraocular, the implantable miniature telescope is intraocular and has proved its efficiency to many individuals regardless of age. Age-related macular degeneration has been the leading cause of blindness in most adults above the age of 65 years making it an important public health concern. Both intraocular and extraocular implants are suggested as means to improve vision for the aged population. The use of implantable miniature telescope is increasingly adopted by many opticians because the extraocular devices such as spectacles or magnifiers constantly move the lens on a different position and make an adjustment to the ring scotoma that is created by such devices. The implantable miniature telescope is at single location hence improves not only the eyesight but also the head motion and vestibular effects (Singer et al., 2012).
The implantable miniature telescope improved the quality of life for individuals with age-related macular degeneration. Also, young patients who have the implants have proved to have retained more visual. Although older adults are not in a position to achieve a better vision like the young patients, the quality of life for patients with age-related macular degeneration is significantly improved (Boyer et al., 2015). The implantable miniature telescope has been effective in magnifying objects which enhance the visual ability for both the young and old.
References
Primo, S. A. (2010). Implantable miniature telescope: lessons learned. Optometry-Journal of the American Optometric Association, 81(2), 86-93.
Singer, M. A., Amir, N., Herro, A., Porbandarwalla, S. S., & Pollard, J. (2012). Improving quality of life in patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration: focus on miniature ocular implants. Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), 6, 33.
Boyer, D., Freund, K. B., Regillo, C., Levy, M. H., & Garg, S. (2015). Long-term (60-month) results for the implantable miniature telescope: efficacy and safety outcomes stratified by age in patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), 9, 1099.