New Lenses That Improve Vision For Macular Degneration (AMD)

LOUGHBOROUGH, U.K. - Dec. 23, 2015 - PRLog -- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of sight loss in the over-55s. It involves the gradual deterioration of the macula, a 5mm oval area in the centre of your retina – the light-sensitive cells in the back of the eyeball that enable detailed sight.

AMD gradually robs people of their central vision, and about four million Britons have it, including 500,000 with late-stage AMD in which there are significant problems with sight. Although drug treatments can slow the disease’s progress, there is no cure.

Intermediate and end-Stage AMD is the most advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It results in a loss of central vision, or a blind spot, and is not correctable by ordinary glasses, drugs, or cataract surgery.

For patients, the world can literally disappear before their eyes. They lose the ability to see and do many of the things they love, like being able to recognize the faces and facial expressions of friends and relatives, watch TV, cook, sightsee and read.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Macular Degeneration (AMD).But if you have Intermediate or End-Stage AMD there is now scope to improve vision.

Visual Answers have been asked to trial unique new lens called E-Scoop. This lens is also being currently trailed at Moorfield’s Eye hospital and results thus far have been found to improve vision and the quality of life in patients with AMD and have resulted in a positive feedback in almost 50% of the patents with AMD and other conditions that have trailed the lens.

E-Scoop is a patented spectacle lens developed by Dutch optometrist Frans Oosterhof who is been working with the visually impaired for over 20 years. The lens offers offers a safe non-surgical, non-invasive solution for patients with all levels of macular degeneration (AMD) based round several optical features:

- The curve of the lens ensures magnification of 6% for distance vision

- The prismatic effect of the lens causes the light to divert from the damaged part of the macula to an area of higher quality and thereby improves the image quality.

- The yellow colour provides greater contrast and a reduction of sensitivity to daylight glare and sunlight.

- Additional anti-reflection coating helps improve contrast and UV filter reduces glare still further.

In trials thus far, the lens has been found to improve vision in cases of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa as well as in macular degeneration (AMD).

The lenses are available in clear, yellow and brown tints (brown normally for sunglasses), with different prism powers determined by the eye professional and they can be clip-mounted onto an existing pair of glasses (most styles) or can be made as a pair of glasses. They are designed to help at every stage of AMD. Best results can show an improvement of vision by up to 1.5X current levels.

‘As vision declines many find it harder to play golf or drive a car.  E-Scoops are very well suited for mobility tasks like walking, driving and even golfing.  Not only is seeing easier during these activities but people find themselves feeling safer and more confident.  The wide viewing area is perfect for enjoying activities like these.  For many, the improvement in vision can be appreciated immediately’, said Optometrist Mohammed Bhojani of Visual Answers in Loughborough.

‘Feedback from E-Scoop users is that things look brighter with enhanced contrast.  Glare, fog and haze are reduced.  The eyes are also fully protected from sun damage.  Things are gently magnified across the entire field of vision. Lastly, images are moved away from damaged retina tissue toward better seeing healthy retina.  The result is glasses that improve clarity and are easy to use.

No device can ever be considered “one-size fits all” and the lens does not help every patient. It depends on the condition or how far along the disease has progressed.  However I find patients in the earlier stages of vision loss due to Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration or Diabetic Retinopathy especially tend to appreciate the enhancement E-Scoop provides.  In particular, those having a bit of trouble seeing far away are especially impressed with how E-Scoop improves their distance vision.'


For the limited period of the study, Visual Answers are offering a free trail and assessment of E-Scoop lenses at their Quorn and Barrow practices near Loughborough – if you know someone who may benefit from these lenses then call Quorn 01509 414151 and Barrow 01509 416800 to arrange an appointment or email info@VisualAnwers.co.uk for more information.

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