Many readers have been following closely the development of Squalamine Eye Drops for wet age-related macular degeneration, hoping that a self-administered at-home eye drop could reduce, or even eliminate, the need for monthly or as-needed eye injections. Unfortunately, a clinical trial designed to test this concept has produced disappointing results: Squalamine Eye Drops failed to … Continued
Of all the eye research developments reported on the VisionAware blog, it is stem cell research for eye disease that generates the most inquiries from readers. Many readers request information about how to join a stem cell clinical trial, or find a doctor who will perform stem cell treatments. In response to these inquiries, my … Continued
Although the advent of anti-VEGF therapy (explained below), administered via eye injection with Lucentis, Eylea, or Avastin, has revolutionized the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are still a number of persons who do not respond to treatment. It is these “non-responders” or “reduced responders” who continue to pose significant challenges to doctors … Continued
Several recent eye research projects have addressed the potential of contact lenses as a way to (a) deliver ocular drugs directly to the eye, (b) measure blood glucose levels, and (c) monitor intraocular (within the eye) pressure. Two prominent examples are the FDA-approved Triggerfish contact lens, which monitors intraocular pressure related to glaucoma, and Google’s … Continued
Please note: This is an older post and there have significant challenges in stem cell research for eye disease since this was published. For more current information, see Our Readers Want to Know: What Is the Progress of Stem Cell Research for Eye Disease? Answer: It Has a Very Long Way to Go. The London … Continued
New diabetes and diabetic retinopathy research indicates that people with type 2 diabetes, who intensively controlled their blood sugar levels during the landmark Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Trial Eye Study, cut their risk of diabetic retinopathy in half in a follow-up analysis, called the ACCORD Follow-on Eye Study (ACCORDION), which was … Continued
Editor’s note: One of the many benefits associated with an online information center and website, such as VisionAware, is the ability to track readers’ search terms [i.e., information readers are seeking as they search the Internet] as well as answer specific reader inquiries via email. Every month, questions about macular degeneration (AMD), including risks, treatments, … Continued
On March 4, 2016, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would allow the marketing of the Triggerfish® Sensor, a “smart” contact lens that may help eye doctors identify the best time of day to measure a patient’s intraocular [i.e., within the eye] pressure, or IOP. Elevated IOP is often associated … Continued
One of the most significant challenges facing eye and vision researchers is developing an effective treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although there are now a number of well-regarded FDA-approved drug treatments for wet AMD, the key to effective dry AMD treatment remains elusive, although several potential treatments have emerged in recent years. Current … Continued
Irv Arons is the creator of – and driving force behind – Irv Arons’ Journal, an online compendium of the latest information on ophthalmics, medical lasers, clinical trials, developments in stem cell therapy and gene therapy, and emerging drug therapies and treatments for retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. Until his retirement in 2005, Irv … Continued
