Retina

Investigational agent shown to be superior to placebo in two historic multicentre studies

Doctors place focus on delivery of care

Retinal surgeons refine technology, instrumentation to optimize safety and efficacy

VisionCare&#;s implantable telescope for end-stage AMD has finally been given FDA approval. The device, discussed in depth in Ophthalmology Times Europe July 2007, was given CE approval three years ago but has subsequently been undergoing rigorous clinical trials in the United States.

For neovascular AMD sufferers, this combination therapy may offer an alternative to continual anti-VEGF injections

Clinician-scientist also trained ophthalmic leaders

Optos's scanning laser ophthalmoscope devices, the P200, P200C and P200MA have been used in a number of clinical studies, aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an optomap ultra-widefield retinal scan in detecting potentially harmful lesions in the retina.

Exploring management, follow-up and researching into pharmaceutical approaches to treatment

The Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net) study, published in Ophthalmology online has shown that ranibizumab (Lucentis) injections, in combination with laser treatment has produced better vision results than in patients treated by laser alone for diabetic macular oedema (DME).

Oraya Therapeutics has been granted the CE mark for its IRay system, which its researchers say can deliver low-energy X-rays to treat wet AMD.

Evidence suggests that supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin and fish oils has a protective effect

Technology is an essential tool for diagnostic, prognostic approaches to AMD management

What is it and how might we avoid it?

Preferential hyperacuity perimetry testing is sensitive and helpful for early detection

Non-invasive techniques may detect signs of drug-induced toxicity at a pre-clinical stage

FAF imaging is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to diagnose and monitor a number of retinal diseases, most of which are still largely under-diagnosed and therefore under-treated.

An intraocular device is a new concept in the treatment of AMD that taps into telescopic mirror technology to redesign patients' vision

Patients with neovascular AMD maintain visual acuity.

European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology

Retinitis pigmentosa and AMD may be the beneficiaries of a new tool for gene therapy that significantly increases gene delivery to cells in the retina.

A Kaiser Permanents Southern California study published in this month?s Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, compares ranibizumab (Lucentis) and bevacizumab (Avastin) and found them to be equally effective in halting vision loss.

)? Oraya Therapeutics, Inc., announced today that enrollment is now underway for the first ever masked and sham-controlled study to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of radiation therapy for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The groundbreaking clinical trial is being conducted at seven European sites, and will include a minimum of 150 patients, with approximately one third of those receiving a sham exposure and the remainder receiving radiation dosing of either 16 or 24 Gray (GY).

Heidelberg Engineering has launched an informative microsite about BluePeak blue laser autofluorescence.

Combination bevacizumab and 25?J/cm2 or 12?J/cm2 PDT significantly reduced the number of bevacizumab treatments required over six months. This study aimed at examining number of treatments, but not visual acuities. However, visual acuities responded favourably in all three groups.

The Ophthalmology Times Group talked to an optometrist practice about their experience with ocular nutraceuticals