FDA Clears Trial for Stem Cell Dry AMD Treatment
We have seen tremendous progress in recent years in the treatment of "wet" (vascular) age-related mascular degeneration (AMD).Unfortunately, "dry" macular degeneration, which makes up about 90% of cases, still has no viable treatment options.
But a treatment may be around the corner. The FDA has cleared the first clinical trials for using embryonic stem cell-derived retinal cells to treat non-vascular AMD. The new treatment will attempt to slow or stop dry AMD by replacing the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells lost during the disease with new stem-cell-derived RPEs . Researchers hope that by replacing lost RPEs, they can save photoreceptors that the RPEs support and therefore save vision. In animal trials, the treatment has shown it can give significant vision improvement with no adverse effects.
Dry AMD affects about 20% of adults between the ages of 65-74, and 30% of people over the age of 75. The dry form progresses slower than the wet form, but over time it can result in severe vision loss and even blindness. With no treatment options available, people with dry AMD had to learn to adapt to their declining vision.
Talking to an ophthalmologist can help you understand the best ways to cope with AMD until good treatment options become available. To learn more about AMD, please contact an ophthalmologist today.
posted by Dr. Candelaria at 7:54 AM
1 Comments:
Doctors for Visual Freedom
At Doctors for Visual Freedom we take pride in caring for each person individually and providing the best personalized care possible. After a preoperative examination with us, our patients have had all their questions answered and can make an informed decision. We know that not everyone is a good candidate for Laser Vision Correction and we'll let you know if you are not. Whether laser surgery, glasses, or contacts are the best solution for you, we will provide the latest technology to get you the best results possible.
The decision to undergo LASIK surgery can be made for any number of different reasons. A vast majority of these reasons, however, revolve around being less dependent on contacts or glasses to correct your vision. While LASIK does not promise perfect vision, you will see a dramatic improvement to your vision that will enhance your lifestyle in ways that you may not have even thought possible.
Potential Changes to Your Lifestyle
Despite having many advantages, there may be certain lifestyle changes you may have to make after LASIK surgery. A common side effect of this operation is dry eyes, so you may want to carry around eye drops, especially immediately after your surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery we recommend that you wear full UV protection for your eyes, and after that it will be more important to make sure that you don't expose your eyes to any direct sunlight. This can potentially reverse the effects of your LASIK surgery. You will also need to avoid any swimming until your eyes have fully healed.
Visit us and schedule your LASIK appointment at www.doctorsforvisualfreedom.com
Post a Comment
<< Home