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 […]
The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has created the OMB disability survey and invites individuals with disabilities, their families, services providers, and others to share what federal resources they have found most helpful, frustrating, or that have made a significant difference. The survey is anonymous but provides an option to share an email address for those […]
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, […]
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced their analysis of the Phase 2 FILLY study investigating intravitreal pegcetacoplan (APL-2) for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), also known as advanced dry macular degeneration. The post hoc analysis found that the monthly treatment reduced the rate of progression to GA by 39 percent in areas of the retina outside of […]
The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) has announced the launch of a new audio and video podcast series providing consumers with critical information about the signs, symptoms and risk factors of retina disease and the importance of seeing a retina specialist for specialized care. “ASRS’s Retina Health for Life from the President’s Corner” features […]
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 […]
It has been said, “Just because you have the measles doesn’t mean you can’t catch chicken pox”. Many people affected by macular degeneration and other diseases of the eye have learned that glaucoma is often a secondary condition with which they must also deal. “Today, there are more than an estimated 3.2 million Americans that […]
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 […]
An article published here in August 2020 announced that positive results were obtained from a study of photobiomodulation (PBM)–also known as “red light therapy”– as a treatment for eye diseases such as AMD, retinopathy of prematurity, and diabetic macular edema. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has simultaneously posted cautionary remarks about recent PBM research. In […]
Charles Barnhart’s Story from “Inspirational Stories of the Visually Challenged (plus Resources)“by Margaret Barnhart Do you suppose I might hold a record for ways to meet a husband, as in lying naked on his massage table covered with sheets exactly the way he told me? This was my first ever massage. I was nervous. The […]