An outstanding addition to our advancement in lens technology, IOL VIP (Intraocular Lens for Visually Impaired Persons) is the most promising surgically implanted lens of its kind. Here at Ophthalmic Consultant Centres we are proud to be the first in North America to be licensed for this miraculous procedure as well as the first to perform the procedure of implanting the dual telescopic lens in Canada.

IOL VIP referred to as Telescopic Lens Technology, is just what it sounds to be: A high powered magnifier, which is able to be implanted into the human eye.

This procedure is a step away from the norm, however like a classic cataract surgery, its outcome is much clearer. By reflecting the light rays towards a healthy section of the retina, IOL VIP is able to adjust a patient’s vision and clear their sight. With the change in retinal surface and the telescopic lens, the patient’s vision will also change; as the transplant focuses the light, the image the patient perceives is then magnified, bringing their visual field above the cloudy impression of their damaged macula.

Many patients currently use such devices as hand held magnifiers, which can be useful when sitting down, reading or watching television. However there is a certain amount of strain when it comes to walking around and holding the magnifier constantly in place. Furthermore, these products may influence nausea or headaches as they are usually unable to change their focus, being either for distance or intermediate magnification. Intraocular telescopes, such as IOL VIP however, are implanted into the eye in such a way that the light rays are always coincident with the pupil, so as you move your head or eyes, the image is always accurately placed in the optimal location of the retina. Therefore, such limitations as holding the magnifying device steady, remaining seated and using it for one distance do not pertain to IOL VIP.

With such powerful magnification by means of intraocular telescopes, there is a significant amount of pretesting before it can be determined whether a patient is qualified for such a surgery. Patients with lower vision who suffer from the inability to read large print, difficulty recognizing faces, experience distortion of central vision and have difficulty seeing with poor illumination are eligible and should consult their eye care specialist about treatment options.

Patients with central vision loss will tend to have difficulty reading, and may eventually give up using magnifiers when the task becomes too daunting. This will slowly cause the individuals fluency (the ability to read and recognize letters) to decline with the lack of eyeball stimulation. Individuals with longstanding visual defects will need to address this prior to surgery as rehabilitation will be required. It will also be required after the surgery for the use of the eccentric retinal point that needs to be trained as it is not usually used for reading and mobility. However by stimulating the brain and rehabilitating the eye, it can be taught to become a more integral part of the patient’s vision. With any joint surgery, improvement in mobility comes with physiotherapy, the eye is no different. In order to be assessed for IOL VIP, patients must be seen in our clinic and referred into the program. Consult your Ophthalmic Consultant Centre doctor for more information.