Clinical Outcomes Of Scharioth Macula Lens Implantation In End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Case Series.

The Scharioth Macula Lens (SML) is a piggyback intraocular lens that offers a convenient alternative to external magnifiers by providing near-vision magnification for patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We report our clinical experience with SML implantation.

Tertiary hospital in Singapore.

We screened 29 pseudophakic patients with stable, end-stage AMD. Eligibility was strictly defined as a 3-line improvement in corrected near visual acuity with a +6.0D addition compared to a standard +2.5D addition during preoperative visual assessment. Additionally, candidates had to demonstrate a willingness to adopt a 15cm working distance and maintain a habit of reading digital or printed media. Two patients met these criteria and underwent SML (A45SML; Medicontur) implantation. Distance and near visual acuity (NVA) and surgical complications were monitored over a three-month follow-up period.

Preoperative NVA with +2.5D and +6.0D additions was N50/N25 for Patient 1 and N18/N8 for Patient 2. One month postoperatively, uncorrected NVA at the intended 15 cm working distance improved to N25 and N10, respectively. At the three-month follow-up, Patient 1 remained stable at N25, while Patient 2 shifted to N25; nevertheless, both patients maintained a three-line gain in near vision compared to their uncorrected preoperative baseline. Distance visual acuity remained stable in both cases, and no adverse events or surgical complications were observed.

Success with the SML is highly dependent on rigorous preoperative screening. While near-vision gains may fluctuate slightly post-surgery, the SML offers a safe and effective surgical alternative to external magnifiers, significantly improving near acuity and quality of life without compromising distance vision.