Impact on Quality of Life Following the Implantable Miniature Telescope Procedure

ABSTRACT

The purpose is to examine the impact of the Implantable Miniature Telescope procedure on the level of treatment satisfaction and quality of life of individuals with end-stage age-related macular degeneration. Six individuals who had undergone the Implantable Miniature Telescope procedure were recruited. The participants completed two survey instruments about their overall quality of life and level of treatment satisfaction post intervention. In-depth interviews were also conducted to gain a perspective of the participant’s lived experience. A moderately high quality-of-life and treatment satisfaction rating was reported by participants post intervention. Qualitative themes included loss of independence, realistic perspective about the procedure, importance of rehabilitation following the procedure, and high treatment satisfaction despite lack of improvement in visual functioning. Moderately high quality-of-life ratings and treatment satisfaction were reported despite reports of limited improvements in participants’ visual function and ability to utilize the Implantable Miniature Telescope. However, qualitative responses revealed a negative impact on quality of life in relation to their diagnosis of end-stage age-related macular degeneration, but not in direct relation to the Implantable Miniature Telescope procedure.

KEYWORDS:

• Aged 65 and over
• end-stage age-related macular degeneration
• low vision
• occupational therapy

Acknowledgments

The authors appreciate the assistance of Dr. Kathleen Flecky in the development of the study and Dr. Sarah Smith for assistance with data analysis, as well as Dr. Monica Perlmutter of Washington University for her assistance with subject recruitment.