Miniature lens system implantation for advanced age-related macular degeneration

Status:

In progress

Technology type:

Procedure

Decision:

Selected

Prioritisation programme:

HealthTech

Rationale:

Review of existing guidance: IPG565 - Miniature lens system implantation for advanced age-related macular degeneration

Process:

IP

ID number:

375

Description:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disorder that damages the macula (a small area at the centre of the retina responsible for central vision and appreciation of fine detail and colour). It affects older adults, leading to the gradual loss of central vision. Supportive management for AMD includes optical aids such as magnifying glasses to read and do tasks needing fine-detail vision. Miniature lens implantation procedure for AMD is performed under local anaesthesia. The natural lens is removed through a small incision at the limbus (the front of the eye where the cornea, the clear film at the front of the eye, meets the sclera, the white part of the eye) and an artificial miniature lens system is implanted into the eye. Currently, 2 approaches are used: a single miniature telescope lens is implanted in the eye to magnify the image onto the macula, or a dual-lens system with 1 lens implanted in front of the eye where the cornea meets the sclera and another implanted behind the coloured part of the eye (iris) to shift the image to healthier retinal areas. The implantation technique varies by system. After implantation, people need visual rehabilitation (training and therapy) to adapt to new way of seeing. In both approaches, the contralateral eye is used for peripheral vision. The aim of this procedure is to improve central vision by magnifying the image on the macula in that eye or by moving the image to an undamaged part of the retina in the eye. This is a review of existing NICE’s guidance on miniature lens system implantation for advanced age-related macular degeneration. This is an interventional procedures assessment which aims to assess the efficacy and safety of the procedure.

Provisional Schedule

Scope published:

24 September 2026

Project Team

Project lead

Corrina Purdue

Email enquiries

If you have any queries please email HealthTech3@nice.org.uk

Timeline

Key events during the development of the guidance:

For further information on our processes and methods, please see our CHTE processes and methods manual