# MACROvision Surgery

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/macrovision-surgery

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-06

> **Summary:** MACROvision is a special optical implant placed inside the eye in retinal diseases that impair central vision, such as age-related macular degeneration. It magnifies the image and directs it to the healthy part of the macula so the patient makes better use of remaining vision; it does not treat the underlying disease or stop its progression.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation Duration:** 1-2 Hours
- **Recovery Time:** 1-3 weeks
- **Anaesthesia Type:** Local or general anaesthesia

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## What is MACROvision?
An intraocular implant procedure used in retinal diseases that impair central vision. A special optical lens placed inside the eye magnifies the image and directs it to the undamaged part of the macula, the small central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision. This helps with reading, recognising faces and everyday tasks.

## Who is it Suitable for?
- Patients whose central vision has declined because of age-related macular degeneration
- Patients with other retinal diseases affecting central vision who have not benefited sufficiently from medication or other treatments
- Patients whose disease is in a stable phase: no active bleeding or leakage

Suitability is determined by a detailed eye examination, retinal imaging (OCT) and preliminary tests that measure how much the patient would benefit from magnification.

## How is the Surgery Performed?
Before surgery, measurements of the eye are taken and the power of the implant is calculated individually. The operation is performed under local or general anaesthesia, and the optical lens is placed inside the eye through a small incision. It can be combined with cataract surgery or added as an extra lens in eyes that already have an intraocular lens. Generally one eye is operated on first; the other eye is planned once the results have been evaluated.

## After Surgery
Because the image is magnified, the brain needs time to adapt; vision rehabilitation and regular check-ups are important during this period. Monitoring of the retinal disease continues after surgery, and in wet macular degeneration intravitreal injection treatment continues if needed. Results are usually permanent, but vision quality may change if the underlying disease progresses.

## Risks and Possible Side Effects
The technique is similar to cataract surgery, so the risks are similar: unlikely, and most can be treated.
- Infection: very rare; antibiotic drops before and after surgery keep the risk minimal
- A temporary rise in eye pressure: usually in the first few days, easily controlled with drops
- Mild inflammation: may occur in the first weeks and settles with drops
- Posterior capsule opacification: may cause cloudy vision later on; cleared with a quick YAG laser treatment
- Getting used to the magnified image: not a complication but an expected period of adjustment, eased by vision rehabilitation

## Price
The price depends on the treatment plan determined after examination and measurements.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Does MACROvision cure macular degeneration?**
A: No. It does not treat the disease or stop it from progressing; by directing the image to the healthy part of the macula it helps make better use of the remaining vision.

**Q: Are the results permanent?**
A: Usually yes; if the underlying disease progresses, the quality of vision may change.

**Q: Can both eyes be operated on at the same time?**
A: Generally one eye is operated on first, and the other is planned once the results have been evaluated.

**Q: How long does it take to get used to it?**
A: The adaptation time varies from person to person; vision rehabilitation makes the process easier.

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## References
- A Discussion of Commercially Available Intra-ocular Telescopic Implants for Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Ophthalmology and Therapy
- Implantable vision-enhancing devices and postoperative rehabilitation in advanced age-related macular degeneration, Eye (Borkenstein et al.)