A recent observational study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has found that the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been dramatically lessening over three generations. After looking at follow-up data on 4,819 participants and their offspring in the Beaver Dam studies (1987-2013), Karen J. Cruickshanks, Ph.D. et al found that the incidence of [Read More]
Category: Latest News
Two Trials Take First Step Toward Stem Cell Treatment for AMD
Results from two new clinical trials have added support for the use of human embryonic stem cells as treatment for the dry form of macular degeneration. Stem cells injected into the eye appear to have replaced the missing cells damaged by the disease, with no serious side effects. One study suggests it may have even improved patients’ [Read More]
Seeing AI Now Available Outside of U.S.
We announced here in July that Microsoft had released Seeing AI, a free app that harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to audibly read text, identify objects, and describe people. The app was originally available only in the United States, but it is now also in the British, Irish and Australian App stores. It is still available only for iOS devices [Read More]
New Sub-retinal Implant For Dry AMD Entering Trials
(Updated January 2018) Alongside research to find ways of restoring vision through stem cell therapy and gene therapy, attempts are being made to restore vision electronically by means of bionic implants. In past reports, we have described the ARGUS-2, which has shown success in providing a basic pixelated sense of sight to the totally blind. [Read More]
“I’m Visually Impaired, But . . .”
by Dan Roberts As we age, we face a number of challenges not enjoyed by the young. It seems like every day brings another condition that makes us wonder, “Is this the Big One that’s going to do me in?” Fortunately, most of these conditions are temporary, rearing their heads only to warn us that [Read More]