ESCRS - PO0016 - Smaller-Incision New Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope (Sing Imt) Implantation For Beta-Thalassemia-Associated Maculopathy

Smaller-Incision New Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope (Sing Imt) Implantation For Beta-Thalassemia-Associated Maculopathy

Published 2023 - 41st Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: PO0016 | Type: Case report | DOI: 10.82333/wvwg-k271

Authors: Ginevra Giovanna Adamo* 1 , Francesco Nasini 1 , Pietro Maria Talli 1 , Marco Pellegrini 1 , Marco Mura 1

1Department of Translational Medicine,University of Ferrara,Ferrara ,Italy

The Smaller-Incision New Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope (SING IMT) is an intraocular magnifying system developed to improve vision in eyes with a central scotoma by enlarging the image of the central visual field focusing it onto healthy areas of the retina. Although the device is currently indicated for end-stage age related macular degeneration, its use might be extended to other macular diseases for which no other treatments are available. In this case report, we describe the successful SING IMT implantation in a patient with bilateral atrophic maculopathy due to beta-thalassemia.

Ophthalmology Unit, S. Anna University Hospital, University of Ferrara, Italy.

A 56-year-old woman with a history of transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia was referred to our Institution for bilateral advanced atrophic maculopathy. Upon presentation, bilateral atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal layers was present, with no signs of exudation nor choroidal neovascularization. Vision was 20/400 logMAR in the right eye and 20/160 logMAR in the left eye. Although SING IMT is off-label for beta-thalassemia-associated maculopathy, the possible risk of complications was weighted against the potential benefit from the implant, and the patient eventually elected to undergo SING IMT implantation in her left eye. Corrected distance visual acuity was 21 ETDRS letters preoperatively and remained stable and at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Corrected near visual acuity improved from 14J preoperatively to J10 at 1 month and J9 at 3 months. Endothelial cell loss was 6.1% at 1 month and 6.8% at 3 months. The patient reported marked subjective improvement in facial expression recognition and near vision tasks.

This case describes the off-label implantation of the SING IMT in a patient with beta-thalassemia-associated maculopathy. The procedure resulted in improved near visual acuity and overall quality of life.