On Tuesday, Federal regulators showed the green flag to Saratoga Company’s innovative technology of implantable eye telescope for elderly people suffering from a later stage of age-related macular degeneration. This disease causes blind spot in the centre of the vision, resulting in blurriness and ultimately an inability to recognize faces, read or watch television.

About 750,000 people in the United States, facing severe damage due to this disease, are aimed to be treated by VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, the father of the technology. Getting approval is a matter of celebration for the people concerned. In 2006, its approval was halted on the grounds of its utility and safety.

Not all of the 8 million people will be qualified for treatment, which has caused distress among some people against its approval.

The device is pea size and is implanted behind the colored portion of the eye, known as the iris, after the patient's own lens is removed. It is placed in only one eye as the patient's other eye is needed for marginal vision. The vision is magnified by 2.2 times to 2.7 times.

In a study, in which more than 200 patients were given the treatment with the device, 75% improved their level of vision from severe or profound impairment to moderate impairment, as told by FDA.

The Company has not set a price for the device yet as it depends on how much Medicare will be covering. The procedure will be starting within next couple of months.