On September 12, 2014, researchers at the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology in Japan surgically transplanted into the eye of a woman a sheet of retinal pigment cells made from her own skin. This marks the first time stem cells from a person’s own body have been induced to become retinal cells and implanted into [Read More]
News
Low Vision Conferences Becoming High-Tech Accessible
Organizations for the blind and visually impaired will soon be able to provide indoor navigation technology at their national conferences. The service, called “Audio Guide”, is being offered free gratis to charitable organizations by Macular Degeneration Support, with financial backing by Macular Degeneration Foundation. Beginning in 2015, conference attendees will be able to more easily [Read More]
Eylea Approved For Diabetic Macular Edema
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced that the FDA has approved Eylea (aflibercept) injection for treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in the U.S. Eylea now joins Genentech’s Lucentis (ramabizumab) as a treatment for DME in addition to neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration and macular edema after central retinal vein occlusion. Aflibercept has also been approved for [Read More]
New Approach to Low Vision Rehab Cuts Risk of Depression in Half
Depression is a common risk for people who have lost their vision, but a new study shows that a new approach called “behavior activation” can cut the risk in half. Researchers from Wilmer Eye Institute, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and Wills Eye Hospital have announced results from their Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial (VITAL), designed [Read More]
Catching The Big One
by Dan Roberts Caregivers of older adults have understandable concerns about potential suicide when their loved ones begin talking about death. They may, however, be worrying unnecessarily. During those moments, three questions need to be considered: 1. Is the person depressed? 2. Is the person suicidal? 3. Is the person simply sharing personal thoughts? Risk [Read More]