Justine Wise, 86, tried to adjust for the dark smudges that blurred her vision that she has had to cope with for more than 10 years. Having end-stage age-related macular degeneration, doctors told her there was no further treatment.

Then her daughter told her about the implantable telescopic lens procedure now available at MUSC's Storm Eye Institute. Wise became part of history July 13 when she became the first patient in the Southeast to receive a telescopic lens implant. Charlene Grice, M.D., removed a cataract in her right eye and then inserted an Implantable Miniature Telescope.

Dr. Grice puts in the Implantable Miniature Telescope in 86-year-old patient Justine Wise's right eye after removing her cataract. The telescope will help Wise's eyesight that has been deteriorating for more than 10 years because of age-related macular degeneration.

The miniature telescope, which was implanted immediately after removal of a cataract, is smaller than a pea, and sits behind the iris projecting an enlarged image of what patients see in their central vision.

Age-related macular degeneration involves the loss of vision in the center of the visual field because of damage to the retina. It is the leading cause of vision loss in patients older than 55 years and affects 1.8 million patients in the United States.

The trade-off for gains in central vision in the implanted eye is loss of peripheral vision in that eye. To compensate, only one eye is implanted, with the second eye providing peripheral vision.

Patients wishing to undergo the procedure must also agree to a post-procedure vision rehabilitation training program that basically retrains the brain how to see and enhances the effectiveness of the implant. Trained optometrists and occupational therapists at the Feldberg Vision Rehabilitation Center at Storm Eye Institute or at other similar facilities help patients adjust to their new vision.

Justine Wise had her surgery July 13.

Through clinical trials, it has been discovered that the telescopic lens can increase the patient's vision by at least two lines on an eye chart. This offers patients the ability to have a more normal life and to return to some of the activities they were not able to do prior to the surgery, such as recognizing faces, writing checks and distinguishing colors.

"Although not a cure, the telescopic lens helps these patients live more independently in the meantime," said Grice, assistant professor of ophthalmology at MUSC Storm Eye Institute.

Grice said she's pleased that Wise, who traveled from Ohio for the procedure, was already seeing improvements one week after her surgery, even before starting her occupational training. "She is doing much better than we anticipated because her vision is already improving and her wound is healing nicely. We are very pleased at the progress she has made," she said.

Wise attributes her progress to her determination to see better and her supportive family. She looks forward to more improvements as she goes through therapy. "I am seeing some with both eyes. I am very satisfied and hopeful. You need family to surround you and help you through it because without them you can't do it."

To see a video of the surgery, visit http://tinyurl.com/d8reqj6.