Macular Translocation Surgery
Duke surgeons have joined forces to refine a new treatment for
Age–Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) called Macular Translocation
Surgery. Based on the pioneering research by former Duke Eye Center
chairman Robert Machemer, MD, and developed through further research by
Cynthia Toth, MD, the goal of this surgery, for patients who are losing
the last of their central vision to AMD, is to lift the macula away from
underlying blood vessels and move it to a new, healthier location to
restore central vision. The procedure has already helped many AMD
patients who had little hope of seeing again to be able to resume daily
activities.
The Duke Center for Macular Diseases
The Duke Eye Center has established The Duke Center for Macular Diseases
to develop and to provide new forms of education, research, and patient
care for those facing this sight-threatening disease. The center takes a
multidisciplinary team approach to its goal to improve care and quality
of life for AMD patients and their families. The center strives to
enhance existing AMD programs and services such as vision
rehabilitation, clinical care, macular translocation surgery, and AMD
research.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of
central vision loss in persons over age 55. Additional information on
AMD is available at the Duke Center
for Human Genetics.
What is the retina?
The retina is nerve tissue that lines the inside of the eye. It is light
sensitive and turns light into nerve signals sent to the brain.
What is the macula?
The macula is located at the center of the retina and is essential for
central reading vision. The macula is the only part of the retina that
provides detailed vision and is used to read small print.
There are two types of AMD: Dry and Wet
Dry AMD: With aging, deposits called drusen collect underneath
the retina. As drusen accumulate, vision may deteriorate. This type of
vision deterioration is usually mild. However, geographic atrophy, a
version of Dry AMD, can sometimes cause more severe vision loss.
Wet AMD: Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. These
abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood and lift the retina away from
the eye wall. This is the most common cause of severe vision loss in AMD.
Why Translocate the Macula?
Macular Degeneration causes vision loss and scarring of the macula as
seen below. This damage is eventually permanent, but only affects one
central area of the retina. Macular translocation surgery moves the
macula away from the abnormal blood vessels onto a new location of
healthier tissue. This procedure may maintain or recover central reading
vision.
 | 
