Smoking and Wet AMD Treatment

It has long been known that cigarette smoking reduces levels of plasma antioxidant, which protects retinal cells. It is also suspected as a contributor to cataract formation, restriction of night vision, and amblyopia (“lazy eye”). As reported in the September 2020 issue of the journal, Retina, a research team has confirmed the effect of smoking [Read More]

Anti-VEGF treatment maintains acuity over 10 years

Patients receiving continuous injections of anti-VEGF drugs for treatment of wet age related macular degeneration (wAMD) can take comfort in knowing that they are keeping their initial visual acuity long term. As reported in the September 29 issue of  Ophthalmology Retina, the LATAR study found that 293 eyes not only maintained their original visual acuity, [Read More]

Levodopa may improve vision in patients with Wet AMD

Investigators have determined that treating patients with the early wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with levodopa, stabilized and improved their vision. Levodopa is a safe and readily available drug commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease, The drug reduced the number of treatments necessary to maintain vision, and as such, will potentially reduce the [Read More]

Zimura® Shows Significant Suppression of Geographic Atrophy

IVERIC bio, Inc. has announced positive Phase 3 results from its GATHER1 clinical trial with Zimura® (avacincaptad pegol). As published in the September issue of Ophthalmology®, Zimura® met its pre-specified primary efficacy endpoint at 12 months and reached statistical significance in GATHER1, an international, multicenter, randomized, double masked, sham controlled clinical trial.  Zimura® inhibits complement [Read More]