Eye Drops Can Replace Reading Glasses For Those With Presbopia

A nurse is helping an elderly woman read.


Those who suffer from blurry near vision caused by presbyopia (age-related lens changes that affect focusing and impact reading) now have another option available to them other than strong reading glasses.  The FDA approved eye drops in October 2021 (Vuity) and a recent study found a significant portion of people using them saw improvement in vision as soon as 15 minutes after putting the drops in.  They last about six hours.  The pilocarpine hydrochloride drops work by decreasing the pupil size.  Don’t drive at night after putting the drops in as they decrease night vision.

New Treatment For Macular Degeneration On The Way

A doctor and patient looking at a book


AARP The Magazine had some amazing stories in its October/November 22 issue regarding innovations in health care.  One new device on the market are eye implants for age-related Macular Degeneration which would avoid the need for regular injections right into the eye.  The Susvimo eye implants, on the other hand, release a steady dose of the anti-VDGF drug ranibizumab (Lucentis).  They are about the size of a grain of rice and they are implanted under the eyelid where it can’t be seen and won’t impair vision.  The FDA approved the device in October of 2021 and research has shown that it works as well as monthly injections, although it has a higher rate of side effects including redness, pain and light sensitivity.

 

Using Artificial Intelligence Or AI To Discover Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma And Diabetic Retinopathy

A doctor and patient in a room with a laptop.


Opthalmologist Michael D. Abramoff had seen the consequences of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other age-related causes of blindness which gave him an idea; could autonomous artificial intelligence make a difference with those who have diabetes or family history.  Abramoff, a University of Iowa professor, developed a state-of-the-art AI system for people with diabetes.  Dubbed IDx-DR, the system can determine whether a test taker may have diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema.  “We know how to treat it, but only 15% of people with diabetes get yearly tests,†he said.  Approved by the FDA in 2018, the testing device is now used in the offices of primary care doctors across the U.S.  For more information, see October/November 21 Issue of AARP The Magazine, page 61

Carmel, CA Retinal Implants To Restore Sight In Macular Degeneration Patients Shows Promise

A person holding a stethoscope in their hand.


A treatment where surgeons implant a tiny device in the retinas of patients which contain stem cells looks extremely promising for those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  Although it has only been done with 15 patients, many participants have passed the one-year mark with improving vision.  One woman who had the treatment said, “Shortly after the surgery, I turned to my husband while we were watching TV and said, ‘I can see all of their faces!’â€Â  Doctors say FDA approval is about five years away.  To see local specialists in macular degeneration, see links below.

https://news.usc.edu/trojan-family/stem-cell-therapy-macular-degeneration-usc-clinical-trial/

https://www.montereyeye.com/our-services/retinal-care
https://www.peninsulaeyecarecenters.com/low-vision.html

http://vantageeye.com/services-macular.html