SING IMT removal for unsatisfied patients: step-by-step surgery for a safe explant.

Abstract

PURPOSE To report three cases of Smaller-Incision New-Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope (SING-IMG) explantation and three-piece acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients affected by late-stage dry AMD. METHODS This is a single-center cohort study. Three patients with stable dry AMD previously implanted with SING-IMT failed to adapt to the device requesting its explantation. Surgical procedures were performed under peribulbar anesthesia, with careful removal of the SING-IMT telescope through a sclero-corneal tunnel of 8 mm and implantation of a three-piece acrylic IOL. Patients underwent pre and postoperative assessments, including visual acuity measurements, endothelial cell count and intraocular pressure. Patients were followed postoperatively for at least 6 months, with particular attention to IOL stability and posterior capsule integrity. RESULTS Postoperative assessments demonstrated positive outcomes, revealing no IOL dislocation or posterior capsular opacification after 6 months. Endothelial cell count diminished. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) returned to values before SING-IMT implantation. CONCLUSIONS In our small cohort, SING-IMT explantation appeared to be a safe option. Despite promising visual outcomes, some patients might not adapt to SING-IMT. Further studies are needed to evaluate criteria to predict telescope adaptation.