(Updated 7/29/19) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease of the retina wherein the light-sensing cells in the central area of vision (the macula) stop working and eventually die. The disease is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and it is most common in people who are age [Read More]
Category: Research and Developments
Why Do More Women Than Men Have AMD?
Nearly every reliable resource on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will reveal that more women than men are affected by the disease. Some even go so far as to offer questionable statistics like “About 2/3 of people with AMD are women and 1/3 men”.(1) To explain, writers offer that women live longer than men, or that [Read More]
Eylea Approved for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced FDA approval of Eylea (aflibercept) injection to treat all stages of diabetic retinopathy. Eylea is already approved for treatment of three conditions: neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema resulting from retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic macular edema. This additional use of Eylea for diabetic retinopathy was approved based upon [Read More]
Need For Improvement in Hospital Care For Vision-Impaired Patients
Recent research spotlights a need to address certain risks and incapacities with which people with visual impairment are faced during hospital stays. Vision-impaired hospital patients have worse clinical outcomes, more readmissions, longer lengths of stay, and higher costs of care than non-vision-impaired patients, according to the authors. The article, published April 4, 2019 in JAMA [Read More]
Oral Treatment for Wet AMD Shows Promise
Alkahest Inc. has reported that AKST4290, an oral medication for treatment of wet AMD, was shown in trials to be safe, effective, and “extremely promising”. Speaking at the 2019 Retina World Congress, Michael Stewart, MD (Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville), reported that 83% of subjects’ eyes had improved acuity of a mean 7+ letters, and 21% gained [Read More]