Scharioth Macula Lens - Patient-reported Quality of Life

The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the impact of Scharioth Macula Lens (SML) implantation on the visual function and quality of life in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this retrospective study 18 pseudophakic subjects with dry advanced AMD were included. The inclusion criteria were age over 55, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 0.4–1.0 (logMAR), improvement of at least three lines of corrected near visual acuity (CNVA) when tested with a +6.0 diopters (D) reading addition at 15 cm, compared with a +2.5 D reading addition at 40 cm. The SML was implanted as a secondary IOL in the sulcus, monocularly in the better seeing eye of each subject. In addition to the pre and postoperative evaluation of CDVA and CNVA the pre and postoperative quality of life was evaluated with the Danish version of 25-point Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ). The mean CNVA improved from 8.94 ± 2.69 lines (Radner chart; Mean ± Standard Deviation) preoperatively to 6.78 ± 2.02 lines at 1 year. The mean CDVA remained unchanged. The VFQ-25 highlighted positive impact of SML-implantation on patients’ satisfaction both in visual function and their perception. There was a significant reduction in the levels of anxiety and frustration and their dependence on help. This study demonstrates that implantation of SML is a safe and efficient surgery for AMD-patients, and has a positive impact on their life, their daily visual function and on their social independence.