Roche Pharmaceutical has announced positive phase II results from their MAHALO phase II study of lampalizumab (aka anti-factor D). The study showed a 20.4 percent reduction in progression of advanced dry macular degeneration (geographic atrophy) at 18 months. Lampalizumab is designed to inhibit Complement Factor D, a protein that is part of the alternative complement [Read More]
Author: droberts
Support Groups Can Improve Quality of Life
by Dan Roberts Researchers have found that facilitated patient support groups can significantly improve visual quality of life (VQoL) for visually impaired people. Twenty-nine groups of up to six patients each were recruited for participation in a “peer group emotional support service” facilitated by trained counselors for a period of six months. Their responses to [Read More]
Improving Autophagy Function Reduces Drusen
by Dan Roberts Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have discovered that a cleaning mechanism in the center of the retina may be faulty in people who develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A cleaning process called autophagy helps clear cellular waste deposits (drusen) that can build up in the retinal tissue. If autophagy diminishes, [Read More]
Doctors Don’t Like Talking to Patients
An editorial by Frank J. Weinstock, M.D., F.A.C.S. Reprinted with permission from Opthalmology Management (May 1999) If you’re frustrated by your doctor’s lack of social skills, you’re not alone. It’s a problem common enough that doctors themselves sometimes have to remind one another of the importance of good communication with their patients. Here is an editorial [Read More]
Medicare Approves Payment for Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System
Payments Will Facilitate Beneficiary Access to Argus II in both Inpatient and Outpatient Settings Sylmar, CA- August 15, 2013—Second Sight Medical Products, Inc. today announced that The Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System (Argus II) has been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) beginning October 1, 2013. These payments are designed to support [Read More]