Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) represents the most severe form of inherited retinal dystrophies with an onset during the first year of life. Currently, 21 genes are known to be associated with LCA and recurrent mutations have been observed in AIPL1, CEP290, CRB1 and GUCY2D. In addition, sequence analysis of LRAT and RPE65 may be important
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Researchers have developed a method to efficiently turn human stem cells into retinal ganglion cells. Death and dysfunction of these cells cause vision loss in conditions like glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.
In a randomized clinical trial conducted by DRCR.net of more than 300 participants, researchers have found that ranibizumab is an effective alternative to Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) (laser therapy for treating diabetic retinopathy). Results also show that the drug therapy carries fewer side effects than the currently used laser treatment.
A new survey at the start of Diabetes Awareness Month (by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.) has found that less than half of recently surveyed U.S. adults with diabetes recognize their risk for vision loss. The survey also found that less than one-fifth (18%) of respondents were familiar with diabetic macular edema (DME). The survey found that nearly one
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This visit was supported by a grant from Alcon Foundation. As part of our outreach into South America, we visited Cochabamba in Bolivia the week of Oct 26, 2015. We are collaborating with the Fundación Boliviana de Oftalmología to help develop retinal services in the country. Dr Oscar Cortex and his son, Dr Rodrigo Cortes, manage this
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Spark Therapeutics has announced positive results from the Phase 3 pivotal trial of its lead gene therapy product candidate, SPK-RPE65, for the treatment of RPE65-mediated inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs). These results represent the first successful randomized, controlled Phase 3 trial ever completed in gene therapy for a genetic disease.
Of patients presenting for hydroxychloroquine screening at a large multispecialty ophthalmic practice, almost half of the patients on hydroxychoroquine did not receive appropriate evaluation, indicating lack of adherence to guidelines. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) and 10-2 Humphrey visual field (HVF) were found to be the preferred screening modalities, with others being fundus autofluorescence (FAF)
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Results from a single-center, phase 1, randomized controlled clinical trial show that ocular gene therapy with recombinant adeno-associated vectors for neovascular age-related macular degeneration was found to be safe and well tolerated. The study enrolled patients with wet age-related macular degeneration at the Lions Eye Institute and the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Nedlands, WA, Australia. Eligible
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In results from a new study that was presented at EURETINA, Aflibercept and ranibizumab were found to be safer than dexamethasone intravitreal implants for the treatment of central retinal vein occlusion.
A pioneering trial of a new treatment derived from stem cells for people with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has commenced at Moorfields Eye Hospital following a successful operation on a patient.