Doctors who are looking for treatment options for advanced macular degeneration will most likely soon have a device to help their patients. A pea-sized telescope, developed by VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies (Saratoga, CA), is implanted into one eye to help improve visual acuity--especially in reading and facial recognition. The other eye, which has no implant, is then used for peripheral vision. However, not every patient with age-related advanced macular degeneration is a candidate for the Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT). According to one retinal specialist who has authored papers on the IMT, only about 20 out of 100 potential candidates will receive the device. Reasons for ruling patients out include eye shape and balance issues. The device has been approved in Europe, and VisionCare expects FDA approval later this year. In March, an FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended approving the implant.