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

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

A doctor and patient looking at a book


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

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

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


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

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


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

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

A woman sitting next to an older person.


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

 

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


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

 

Eye Drops That Work Like Reading Glasses

A woman and an old lady sitting in a chair


A new eye drop called AGN-190584 is expected to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later this year and could eliminate the need for reading glasses.  Made by Allergen Eye Care, a division of AbbVie, the pilocarpine solution which is meant to treat the symptoms of presbyopia—an age-related condition that causes gradual loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects.  Participants in a study of the drug found they gained three more lines on the reading chart in low light compared to those who received a placebo.  The drops begin working as soon as just 15 minutes after they were applied and reached their peak effectiveness after about an hour.  For glaucoma, pilocarpine improves the outflow of fluid from the eye that lowers the intraocular pressure.  With presbyopia patients, it’s being used to constrict the pupil.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/03/02/fda-approval-eye-drops-submitted-help-presbyopia-patients-read/6834903002/

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

A woman and an older man sitting next to each other.


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.htm