Stargardt's

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.

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.

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.

Free Tax Help for the Elderly and Disabled

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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FDA Approves Stem Cell Trial in Eyes

A private company has just received FDA approval for a Phase 1/11 trial (second trial) involving implanting embryonic stem cells into the eye to replace damaged retinal pigment epithelium cells.  The 12 patients in the trial suffer from Stargardt’s macular dystrophy, a childhood version of macular degeneration.  The technique does not require destruction of the embryo.  “What this approval shows is that the readiness of the FDA to work with researchers to move exciting new stem cell based therapies out of the lab and into the clinic.”

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