Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ Eylea (aflibercept) treatment for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) has been approved by the European Commission. Eylea was approved in the United States for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2011, and for macular edema following CRVO in 2012. The drug has also been approved in Europe, Japan, Australia, [Read More]
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What Is Low Vision Rehabilitation?
Low vision rehabilitation is like physical therapy for someone who has lost a limb. Its purpose is to develop strategies to maximize or substitute for diminished sight in order to maintain independence and a sense of self-worth. This rebuilding and reinforcement of the visual foundation is accomplished through identification of goals, introduction to assistive devices, [Read More]
Statin Therapy Lowers Risk of Cataracts
by Dan Roberts Statin therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation in the retina, but there has been some concern about cataract development for those who use the drugs. In a press conference at the European Society of Cardiology meeting, Aug 30, 2013, John B. Kostis, MD (UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, N.J.) [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]
Lampalizumab Effective in Slowing Progression of Dry AMD
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]