Routine examination for retinal detachments are usually not worthwhile…even if you had a previous detachment, but if you have symptoms….
Category: Blogs
Eye Examination for ARMD: Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration can only be diagnosed when there are symptoms and findings of the disease. Routine examination in normal situations may not be necessary.
Stem Cells in Ophthalmology Update 18: Stem Cells Inc. Demonstrates That its Human Neural Stem Cells Preserve Vision – Gets FDA Authorization to Initiate Clinical Trial for Dry AMD
On January 30, 2012, Stem Cells Inc. announced the publication of preclinical data demonstrating that its proprietary HuCNS-SCr cells (purified human neural stem cells) protect host photoreceptors and preserve vision in an animal model of retinal disea…
When to Get Eye Examinations for Diabetic Retinopathy
All patients with diabetes should get checked for diabetic retinopathy at least annually. This recommendation is supported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. Diabetic Retinopathy Occurs in Everyone It is…
Gene Therapy in Ophthalmology Update 10: Gene Therapy Research in Dogs Cures X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa – Paves the Way for Similar Treatment in Humans
Researchers at several universities and laboratories collaborated to treat dogs afflicted with the x-linked form of retinitis pigmentosa, to deliver the therapeutic RPGR gene specifically to the diseased rods and cones, which led to functional and stru…
NeoVista Update 5: CABERNET Study Did Not Meet Primary Endpoint at Two Years
In an unexpected outcome, Dr. Pravin Dugel presented the 2-year results of the CABERNET study, evaluating the use of NeoVista’s VIDION ANV epimacular brachytherapy device at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s (BPEI) Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degene…
What if I Have Drusen?
Drusen can be normal and do not mean the development of macular degeneration. There are other criteria that are required to make this diagnosis…not just drusen.
Gene Therapy in Ophthalmology Update 9: Oxford BioMedica/OHSU Preparing to Treat First Usher Syndrome Patient & Oxford BioMedica Ophthalmic Program Update
In an announcement today from the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and confirmed by Oxford BioMedica, the Casey Eye Institute of the Oregan Health & Science University (OHSU) is preparing to treat the first Usher Syndrome patient under the clinical p…
AMD Update 18: A New Approach to Fighting Retinal Degeneration
I just learned this afternoon, of a start-up company, MitoChem Therapeutics, which is apparently an outgrowth of the Vision Research program at the Ophthalmology department at the University of South Carolina. Two of their scientists, Drs. Rohrer and B…
Iluvien Update 5: European Approval on the Horizon
Finally, some good news for Alimera (and pSivida). A few days ago, the company announced that it had received a positive outcome to the Decentralized Procedure (DCP) for Iluvien in Europe. Iluvien is now expected to be the first sustained release pharm…
Iluvien Marches Forward in Europe
Iluvien, a sustained drug delivery system for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, gets closer to medical use in Europe. This novel treatment for DME remains viable.
Does Early Intervention with Low Vision Aids Reduce Depression in Macular Degeneration Patients?
At the World Ophthalmology Congress held in late February in Abu Dhabi, a small study indicated that early intervention using low-vision aids can greatly reduce the severity of depression related to vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study was led by Susanne Trauzettel-Klosinski, MD, from the Low Vision Clinic and Research […]
Potential Major Breakthrough in Treatment of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
A single injection of a new gene therapy treatment from Avalanche Biotech could possibly stop the advance of neovascularization in the wet form of AMD for several years. Human clinical trials are currently underway. Here is how I commented about this breakthrough in my writeup: “If this approach is successful, it could result in a […]
Top 4 Features of EMR Software for an Ophthalmology Practice
With CMS providing financial incentives to physicians who make “meaningful use” of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has already published a checklist of essential, and desirable features in EHR (a/k/a EMR) software for ophthalmology practices. More recently, on the Software Advice blog, Katie Matlack, an EMR software specialist, identified […]
A Novel Gene Therapy Approach to Treating the Wet Form of AMD: The BioFactoryTM From Avalanche Biotech
I originally contacted this company in November 2010, when they were still in “stealth mode” and weren’t able to share details about what they were doing. Recently, the company got back in touch to provide an update, having announced, in December 2…
Menu 21: A List of Writeups on Gene Therapy Used in Ophthalmology
As with my menu on stem cells used in ophthalmology (Menu 20), here is one for the current articles on the use of gene therapy in ophthalmology, with links to the full writeups.I have repeated the offer for my tables showing the companies and instituti…
Menu 20: A List of Writeups on Stem Cells Used in Ophthalmology
I realized that I’ve put posted nearly 20 articles on the subject of using stem cells in ophthalmology, and thought interested readers might like to see a compilation in one place, with links to the full writeups, so here it is. I intend to follow th…
New Drug Induces Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
A potential new drug, ocriplasmin (microplasmin) may soon be available to chemically induce a PVD thus avoiding surgery for many retinal conditions.
AMD Update 17: Dame Judi Dench Has Macular Degeneration
Over the weekend, several articles appeared in the British press and also here in the States, about Dame Judi Dench announcing that she has macular degeneration – dry in one eye and wet in the other – and that she was going blind, although she was …
Stem Cells in Ophthalmology Update 17: Recent ACT Updates
While I was out of the country on vacation, Advanced Cell Technology issued four news releases about their ongoing human embryonic stem cell trials. Here is a compilation of what transpired during my absence.Jan. 25, 2012 — ACT Announces that Addition…