Macular lens
the magnifying glass in the eye

Intraocular lenses for age-related macular degeneration

If macular degeneration is restricting your central eyesight so severely that you are only able to read or recognise faces with the help of a magnifying visual aid, we may be able to improve your quality of life with a special macular lens.

While an AMD patient retains their ability to focus and fundamentally orient themselves, they are often no longer able to read. Tools such as reading magnifiers or reading devices support the patient selectively, but are often difficult to integrate into everyday life. The quality of life of those affected is restricted. This observation and also the desire to give those affected back a part of their independence and quality of life finally led to the development of the macular lens – the magnifying glass in the eye. (Quote Prof. Dr. Dr. G. Scharioth)

The effect of the AddOn SML

The AddOn SML is a thin intraocular lens with a specially designed central lens which has a high near addition of +10 dioptres. This central refractive power of +10 dioptres addition at 1.5mm diameter works – to put it simply – like a miniaturised magnifying glass in the eye. It is placed additionally to the basic lens which has already been put in your eye during the cataract operation, in the eye’s so-called sulcus. Thanks to the lens’ miniaturised magnifying glass lens, objects in the central field of vision are enlarged sufficiently, without also enlarging the “dark spots” (so-called scotomas). The field of vision and distance vision remain unaffected. With sufficient enlargement, close-up vision is significantly improved and reading ability is restored.

Fully reversible thanks to ADD-ON technology

The implantation of the macular lens is carried out by Dr. Minir Asani in an operation lasting approximately 20 minutes under sterile conditions and on an ambulatory basis. Thanks to the use of anaesthetising eye drops – on request, monitored sedation (semi-conscious anaesthesia) is an option – the procedure does not cause any pain. The SML is implanted according to the Add-On principle into the anterior chamber of the eye, between the artificial lens (cataract operation) and the iris. The small wound does not need stitches and will heal by itself.

Course of the procedure

For implantation of the macular lens, the eye is opened near the edge of the cornea with extremely fine surgical instruments and the anterior chamber is filled with viscoelastic to protect the intraocular tissues. As the macular lens is foldable, like other artificial intraocular lenses, it is also inserted into the eye using an “injector” and placed between the artificial lens and the iris.

The macular lens is straightened with the aid of fine surgical instruments. The viscoelastic is then removed again and the pupil is constricted using medication if necessary.

Stitches are not necessary, as the wound heals by itself. The implantation of a macular lens takes a total of 15 to 20 minutes.

The properties of the AddOn SML at a glance

Years of experience by ophthalmic surgeons implanting lenses guarantees you competent guidance and diagnosis, as well as professional care from the outset.

Improvement of close-up vision through sufficient enlargement
Distance vision and field of vision are not impaired
The AddOn SML is implanted in front of the lens in the capsular sac which is already in the eye
The AddOn SML is usually only implanted in one eye
The implantation of the AddOn SML can also be carried out years after the cataract operation

Frequently asked questions

Who is the SML recommended for?
The SML was developed for patients with age-related macular degeneration – primarily for patients with dry AMD. However, the lens can also be helpful for patients with other macular conditions, such as myopic maculopathy, diabetic maculopathy or hereditary retinal degeneration. We can clarify whether the AddOn SML is suitable for you during a preliminary examination.

Will my macular degeneration be cured after implantation of the AddOn SML?
The AddOn SML does not cure the AMD. However, it improves your visual acuity for close-up tasks, such as reading and recognising details. In order to slow or stop further progress of your AMD, you must continue with your previous treatment.

How can I determine whether the AddOn SML is suitable for my case?
We will carry out the necessary examinations and simulation tests with you. The specific preliminary examinations show whether improved visual acuity can be attained in your case and whether an operation would be helpful. After being given detailed information, you can then decide whether the AddOn SML is the right choice for you.

Are the costs of the implantation covered by statutory health insurance?
No. The AddOn SML is not covered by statutory health insurance. The costs are paid by the patient themselves. You can contact your private health insurance company directly to clarify whether they cover the costs. You will receive a cost estimate in advance, which you can submit to your health insurance.

DOmed eyclinic Westfalen
Dortmund B1

Rheinlanddamm 199
44139 Dortmund
Fon. +49231 – 95 80 93 10
www.augenklinik-westfalen.de

Private consultation & outpatient operations

DOmed dry eye center
Dortmund B1

Rheinlanddamm 199
44139 Dortmund
Fon. +49231 – 95 80 93 10
www.trockene-augen-symptome.de

Private outpatient diagnosis and treatment

DOmed eye center
Hombruch

Hakortstr. 64
44245 Dortmund-Hombruch
Fon. +49231 – 71 71 38
www.augenzentrum-hombruch.de

Medical consultation hours & private consultation hours

DOmed eye center
Lünen

Merschstr.22
44534 Lünen
Fon. +492306 – 75 68 50
www.augenzentrum-luenen.de

Medical consultation hours, private consultation hours
& outpatient operations