Early treatment with a new drug called JETREA® (formerly called ocriplasmin) has shown effectiveness in lessening the risk of macular pucker, macular hole, and vitreomacular traction (VMT). These conditions are caused by the tugging on the macula by the vitreous gel, which is attached to the retina at several points. As the vitreous shrinks with [Read More]
Category: Therapies, Treatments, and Procedures
Non-Mydriatic Retinal Cameras Offer Safer Examination
by Liz Trauernicht, Director MD Foundation A significant amount of evidence finds that very bright light, especially blue light, can damage the macula. Traditional slit lamp devices used during eye exams produce high light levels, which may be problematic for people with macular degeneration. Before these devices can be used effectively, the pupil of the [Read More]
"As-Needed" Injections Are an Option for Wet AMD
Two-year results from the recently-completed HARBOR trial showed that some patients with wet AMD fare as well from Lucentis (ranibizumab) injections on an as-needed basis compared to a monthly basis. The original Lucentis trial recommended monthly dosing until the eye stabilized. The follow-up study, however, found that 93% of patients responded well with an average [Read More]
Gene Therapy Without Retinal Risk
Researchers have developed a method of delivering genes to the inner layers of the retina without the risks associated with injection into the delicate tissues themselves. This less invasive technique has been carried out successfully in animal models by a research team led by Drs. John G. Flannery and David V. Schaffer at the University [Read More]
What Should I Ask My Doctor?
by Dan Roberts Updated September 2018 One of the most common problems encountered by people who are first diagnosed with macular degeneration is what to ask the doctor. The news usually takes us by surprise, and we may have never even heard of the disease before. To compound our confusion, many doctors do not have [Read More]