In a past post we had reported on a new treatment for end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD): an implantable miniature telescope (IMT) that amplifies vision and was approved by the FDA in Summer 2010 ^[1].

But does this device provide enough of an improvement in quality of life to be worth the trouble and cost?

A recent study assessed just that by calculating the additional cost of the implant versus no therapy along with the gain in vision to arrive at a cost-utility ratio ($/Quality of life, or US dollars expended per quality of life gained).  The authors calculated that the ratio for the implant was $14,389/Quality of life, a 12.5% gain. This was compared to cataract surgery, which had a  $11,805/Quality of life calculation.

The implant therefore represents a sizable improvement in quality of life at a high cost-effectiveness.

To see the full abstract, click here ^[2].

To read about the FDA approval for the IMT, click here ^[3].

Risa Schulman, PhD
Expert, Healthy Food and Dietary Supplement Science, Marketing and Regulatory
Tap~Root