Hugh James has been instructed to investigate the iolAMD EyeMax Mono (EyeMax) lens treatment which has been lauded in the press as a “miracle” macular degeneration treatment. The treatment specifically treats age related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD is a progressive loss of vision that affects the macula (a small part of the retina at the back of the eye). It is not a total loss of vision so much as a loss of central vision. This makes it hard to read, watch TV or use a computer. Symptoms may start as just minor distortions to central vision that may lead to a blank spot in the middle of your vision over time.
The condition is painless, but it does have a big impact on the way that sufferers live their lives.
You are more likely to develop AMD if you are over 65, female, have a family history of AMD, if you smoke, if you have been exposed to a lot of sunlight or if you have a poor diet. The sad truth is that even if you protect your eyes from harsh sunlight, eat a balanced diet and stop smoking you may still develop AMD.
The only treatment available on the NHS is only applicable in select cases and does not attempt to correct the loss of vision, but instead aims to slow down or stop further degeneration from happening. This has led to many people seeking private alternatives.
Eyemax mono lens surgery reportedly aims to correct vision loss due to AMD by focussing the light that enters the eye onto undamaged parts of the retina. The implanted lens is meant to be used in conjunction with external glasses. The claim is that while there is no cure for AMD, the Eyemax mono lens can restore vision.
The procedure received a lot of press when a daytime soap celebrity had good results following the surgery with many reporting the procedure as a “miracle” treatment.
The treatment, which is only available privately in the UK, has been reported by The Mail on Sunday to have caused disappointing results for some patients. The Mail on Sunday article also mentions that the private surgery can cost as much as £25,000. Hugh James has been instructed to investigate whether the risks of the surgery were clearly communicated before payment was made and treatment commenced. Hugh James will also be investigating whether appropriate checks were made prior to treatment to ensure that the patient was a suitable candidate for the EyeMax lens surgery.
The Medical Negligence department at Hugh James is ranked in the top tier for their expert clinical negligence advice by both major legal guides – Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. If you require any further information, or if you would like to consider a legal claim, please contact our medical negligence specialists who will be able to provide a free no obligation consultation.
