Please note: This is an older post and there have been setbacks and significant changes in stem cell research for eye disease since this was first published. For more current information, see Our Readers Want to Know: What Is the Progress of Stem Cell Research for Eye Disease? Answer: It Has a Very Long Way … Continued
Although there have been a number of significant advances in the treatment of diabetic eye disease, including Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea injections, this approach has not proven to be effective in preventing the development of diabetic eye disease and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (explained below). Recently, however, a research group from the United States and China … Continued
Aerpio Therapeutics, Inc. is a new Cincinnati, Ohio-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new therapies for vascular [i.e., blood vessel] diseases, including diabetic macular edema (DME) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This week, Aerpio announced positive clinical trial results for AKB-9778, which shows potential for self-administered subcutaneous [i.e., beneath-the-skin injection] treatment of DME, offering an … Continued
Do retinal physicians approach wet age-related macular degeneration differently when treating themselves versus treating their patients? This question was explored in a recent presentation by Jonathan Prenner, M.D., at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists in San Diego, California. The mission of the American Society of Retina Specialists is to … Continued
The treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has – by all accounts – been revolutionized by the successful use of the injectable drugs Eylea, Lucentis, and Avastin. Yet, despite this treatment revolution, significant questions remain about the most effective dosing schedule for these medications: Is it monthly injections, a pro re nata [i.e., “as … Continued
The injectable drugs Eylea, Lucentis, and Avastin have revolutionized the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Nevertheless, questions continue to arise regarding the risks and complications that accompany this delivery system. At present, these drugs require monthly injections or a pro re nata [i.e., “as needed”] (PRN) regimen, with monthly controls and injections for … Continued
The Discovery Eye Foundation, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, has become an important ally of VisionAware.org, especially in the area of patient education for macular degeneration. The primary mission of the Discovery Eye Foundation is twofold: Funding cutting-edge research to find new treatments and cures for retinal and corneal eye diseases Empowering people with up-to-date, … Continued
A research group, composed of members from the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has determined that a protein called interleukin-18 (IL-18), which is a component of the immune system linked to inflammatory disorders, has the ability to suppress production of the harmful bleeding/leaking blood vessels that characterize wet age-related macular … Continued
Researchers have identified a possible topical [i.e., eye drop] treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is capable of inhibiting the characteristic symptoms of both the dry and wet forms of AMD. This “proof of concept” research is in its earliest stages and has been conducted only with laboratory mice. Nevertheless, the concept of a … Continued
Here is some good news during National Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. Two economists from Duke University have presented evidence that within the past ten years, since the introduction of anti-VEGF therapies (Lucentis, Avastin, and Eylea), older Americans with “wet” or exudative macular degeneration are less likely to experience vision loss and less likely to … Continued