Dive Brief:
- The implantable miniature telescope for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies is now approved for patients 65 and older with end-stage AMD—an expansion of the previous indication, in which the medical device was only approved for patients aged 75 and older with end-stage macular degeneration.
- It's important to note that the implantable device is covered by Medicaid in the U.S., so any U.S. citizen enrolled in the public insurance program can receive it.
- The approval for the expanded indication is based on strong five- and eight-year data.
Dive Insight:
VisionCare's implantable mini telescope improves visual acuity and quality of life for patients with end-stage AMD. These are the patients whose disease has developed to the point that they have a blind spot in their central vision.
There are many oral and injectable treatment choices for AMD generally, but at the late stage, implantable devices are the only option.