Back in the Game — Joe’s Story
For many of us, it’s the simple things that make life enjoyable. Kicking back with some friends and watching a football game is one of those simple joys shared by Americans all across the country. Retired roofing contractor, Joe Vellone, an avid New York Jets fan, planned to enjoy his retirement doing exactly that.
That is, until age-related macular degeneration (AMD) limited and eventually eliminated his ability to enjoy his favorite pastime. Joe and his wife, Ida, struggled to adapt to the difficulties AMD brought to Joe’s life.
Robbed of Sight, Gradually
“It started about six or seven years ago and got progressively worse until I couldn’t see anything out of my left eye. That eye was absolutely blind,” Joe recalls. Ida adds, “Football is his favorite thing to watch, but he couldn’t follow the ball.”
Joe Vellone
By the time Joe was 74, AMD had stolen more than just his ability to enjoy his favorite sport and cheer for his favorite team. He could no longer recognize neighbors or faces in the photos of his three daughters, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
He also could no longer drive a car. “That was really hard to take,” he shares. “It’s like you lost your freedom. Sometimes we’d be driving and I’d think, God, I’d give anything to be able to see. I’d pay anything.”
A New Page in the Playbook
Joe’s prayers were answered when CentraSight team members Dr. Howard Charles, a retina specialist from Mount Kisco Medical Group and Dr. Gerald Zaidman, director of ophthalmology at Westchester Medical Center, told Joe about the CentraSight program and helped determine that he would be a candidate for the implant.
Candidates need to be 65 years or older, not have received cataract surgery previously in the eye to be implanted, and be willing to participate in the extensive post-surgical therapy required to re-train the brain to use the implant properly, among other criteria.
The CentraSight telescope is smaller than the size of a pea. Once implanted, it magnifies objects in the patient’s central field of vision approximately three times and projects the image onto an undamaged portion of the retina. With dedicated practice and therapy on the part of the patient, the telescope implant can help restore a significant measure of central vision and may help patients regain independence, re-engage in social activities, recognize faces, and enjoy daily activities and hobbies.
The telescope has been shown to improve quality of life, but as with any surgical intervention, potential risks and complications exist. The most common risks of the telescope implantation surgery include inflammatory deposits or precipitates on the device and increased intraocular pressure. Full prescribing information can be found at www.CentraSight.com.
Getting Back Into the Game
Joe received his telescope implant in December of 2013. By working with his low vision team — Dr. Naomi Knoller, low vision optometrist and Nancy Ryan, low vision occupational therapist — and doing his exercises himself at home, Joe was able to watch his first football game about five weeks after surgery.
“I blocked my right eye, and I could see the game! I was shocked,” he marvels. Ida agrees, “I think the best part of this implant is that he’s able to watch football again. I think that makes a big difference.”
Joe’s vision has continued to improve with therapy and practice. He will not be able to drive again or read very small print, but most other everyday tasks are once again possible.
These days, you’ll find Joe rooting for his beloved New York Jets and you just might find fellow Jets fan, Dr. Zaidman, cheering there right beside him.
[cta]CentraSight can offer hope to your end-stage AMD patients and may help them reclaim their active lifestyle. Contact us online, by email, or by phone toll-free at 877-997-4448, option 2 to learn more about the telescope technology, indications, contraindications, and important safety information.[/cta]