Neovascularization

The December 19th issue of JAMA reports on the long-term use of aspirin and its effect on the development of macular degeneration. It concludes that “use 5 years prior to observed incidence was not associated with…early or late AMD. However, regular aspirin use 10 years prior was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in the risk of incident late and neovascular AMD.”

Because aspirin is prescribed for cardioprotective effect, the source of the problem must be more thoroughly investigated and studied.

The FDA approved injection Eylea (afilbercept), formerly called VEGF Trap-Eye, has been shown to be as effective as Lucentis for treatment of AMD, according to a 96-week study of 2,412 patients, conducted by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. After a 3 month period of once a month dosing, Eylea can be given every 8 weeks, resulting in half as many injections as Lucentis. Sales have climbed considerably.

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 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.

Congress has appropriated $12 million in funding to support the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Grants were given to organizations that will offer free tax preparation services to the elderly and disabled. To qualify, your income should be below $50,000. The toll free number for locations on tax counseling and income tax assistance is 800-906-9887.

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