AMD

iPhone Can Help Track AMD Changes

An important step in treating AMD and preventing further deterioration is tracking its progress. A new app from iTunes allows iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users to download the free app SightBook. It monitors vision changes by testing the users visual acuity, color vision and contrast sensitivity. Audio instructions accompany each test. The results are then sent to the patient’s ophthalmologist. He must be a member of the DigiSight team. Registration can be completed on the app or at digisight.net.

AMD & Stargardt's Disease- New Clinical Studies

Gene therapy, stem cell therapy and vitamin A are being clinically tested as potential cures for improved vision in people suffering from age related macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease.

It’s a fundamental breakthrough,” said Paul Sieving, director of the National Eye Institute.

Nearly 200 genes involved in vision loss have been identified and biochemical interactions have been explained.

New Drug "Cocktail" Shows Dramatic Improvements for AMD Treatment

A new anti-PDGF drug improves vision in AMD patients when combined with anti-VEGF therapy.

A press release from Ophthotech Corporation announced positive results from a clinical trial of their drug Fovista. This drug is directed against a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-B), which regulates cells associated with newly formed small blood vessels.

iPhone Low Vision Aid

The Apple iPhone has an app (app = application, or a small program), LookTel Recognizer, available in the iTunes App Store, that allows visually impaired users to recognize items and surroundings. You point the iPhone camera and listen to the phone. The phone recognizes and identifies the object or location. There is no need to hold the camera still or take a photo.

"Nutriceutical" Shows Potential For Treatment of Retinal Disease

Three successful cases of treatment with an oral "nutriceutical" were reported at the annual Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology meeting in Florida. These patients had exhausted all other treatments, “making them candidates for this rescue medicine.”

 

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A New Anti-VEGF Drug?

Recent human clinical and pre-clinical research on the benefits of Integrin Peptide Therapy show positive results in blocking VEGF production at its source, thus inhibiting bleeding and fluid leakage in the eye.

 

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FDA "Fast Tracks" Squalamine Eye Drops

A number of developments offer hope for future treatment of macular degeneration. The FDA granted fast track designation for squalamine eye drops for the treatment of wet AMD.

 

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New Kind of Retinal Implant

A retinal implant, under development at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, Scotland and Stanford University in California, is much simpler in design and operation than present models. A thin silicon device, with no wires, is surgically implanted and electrically stimulates cells that are not affected by AMD. Video goggles deliver images to the eye via pulsed near infra-red light.

Stem Cell Research- Dry AMD

Research at the University of California, reported in the journal Lancet, has demonstrated that stem cell therapy for AMD could be safe in the short term. The very small trial (2 patients) could pave the way for larger trials.

Genetic Link in AMD

A study reported in the March issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology shows an increased risk of AMD for siblings and offspring of AMD patients. It is important for those who have AMD to share this information with their first degree relatives so they may seek early diagnosis and treatment.

 

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