As you may know, Advanced Cell Technology is currently running three stem cell clinical trials; two for treating Stargardt’s Disease, one in the U.S. and one in the UK; and one clinical trial in the U.S. for treating the dry form of AMD.
Due to a unique set of circumstances, it was disclosed that one of the …
In the past couple of months, I was asked to update an article I wrote on stem cells in ophthalmology, originally published in Retina Today, for its sister publication, Advanced Ocular Care, and to write a similar article about the current status of gene therapy for another ophthalmic publication, Retinal Physician. These two articles have now been published in the respective journals and made available online.
Here is a brief summary of each article, along with …
RetroSense is a biotechnology company using optogenetic approaches to treat retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and dry AMD.
Optogenetics refers to a technique for restoring vision that uses “opsins” to genetically convert retinal cells that were not previously, or natively light sensitive to become light sensitive, and thereby mimic the function of rods and cones.
For example, patients with retinitis pigmentosa experience progressive and irreversible vision loss because the rods and cones of their eyes die. …
Hemera Biosciences is a privately held biotechnology company developing anti-complement gene based therapies for the treatment of dry and wet age related macular degeneration (AMD).
Hemera recently has obtained initial funding, along with a U.S. patent for its CD59 gene therapy. The funding will allow Hemera to begin manufacturing its drug, as well as testing it on animals, and starting a Phase 1 study in humans.
To review, Hemera’s gene therapy uses an AAV2 vector to express …
I have meibomian gland dysfunction- at the moment my glands are completely obstructed despite warm compresses, oral tetracyclines, restasis and azasite.
My symptoms started one and a half years ago, and I have had the above treatment for one year.
I am interested in getting meibomian gland probing. However, due to finances and my current location, it won’t be possible for a few months.
Would you say I am at risk of gland atrophy, and should act urgently, …
Allergan, together with the Consortium of Research and Education, is sponsoring live one (1) hour webinars entitled “Open-Angle Glaucoma: Managing IOP in Clinical Practice.”
The webinars will be presented by prominent glaucoma specialists on the following dates and times:
…
Irv Aron has compiled a comprehensive list of clinical trials evaluating the use of stem cells in treating various eye diseases. The list, which includes links to relevant pages on the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials website, should be a very helpful resource for eyecare patients who wish to determine whether they are eligible to participate in particular trials.
These clinical trials will hopefully help unlock the potential of stem cells to restore vision to …
Archives: Researchers report five case reports of inadvertent injury to the eye from laser eyebrow removal. The cases included iritis, glaucoma (mostly pigment-related), pupil distortion and cataract, ultimately requiring surgery. This occurred despite wearing goggles- it seems if the fit is not perfect, the laser energy can seep through and attack the pigmented structures of the eyes. Caution is therefore advised.
Ophthalmology: Every doctor fears the risk of steroids, including hypertension and high blood sugar. But a study suggests the risk is less than we fear. A study of patients with inflammatory eye disease placed on steroids showed that only about 1%, highest in older patients and blacks, were placed on hypoglycemic medication. True, perhaps some were not seen by their doctors and therefore not counted in this study. We should remain cautious, but perhaps we …
I was taught to put the iridectomy superiorly where it’s covered by the lid and therefore unlikely to cause symptoms from stray light. Then years later, I became aware of problems precisely at this location, especially when only partially covered by the lid, due to the prismatic effect of the tear meniscus, and so I started doing them temporally. I was also told a too-small iridectomy may diffract light and make symptoms worse. Now, an …
Professor Barbara Pierscionek, the Associate Dean of Research and Enterprise at Kingston’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, has devoted two decades to researching the biochemical, optical and mechanical properties of the eye’s lens.
Last week, Professor Pierscionek and her team announced research findings suggesting that the way proteins are distributed in the lens of the eye may cause its gradient to be stepped rather than smooth as previously thought. The findings could provide new insight …
The latest issue of Ophthalmology from the American Academy of Ophthalmology reported on a study finding that second-eye cataract surgery may result in better visual functioning than single-eye surgery.
Studying nearly 1,800 patients who had not yet undergone surgery for cataract, researchers concluded that unilateral cataract surgery (i.e., surgery in one eye) improves visual functioning, the largest gains are found in patients who undergo second-eye cataract surgery. As such, they recommended second-eye cataract surgery for patients …
Last week, Alcon announced the launch of ILEVRO™ Suspension (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension 0.3%) as a once-daily treatment option for pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery.
According to Alcon’s release, in two double masked, randomized clinical trials, ILEVRO™ Suspension demonstrated superior clinical efficacy compared to its vehicle; i.e., patients treated with ILEVRO™ Suspension were less likely to have ocular pain and measurable signs of inflammation (cells and flare) at the end of treatment than those treated …
Archives: Researchers report five case reports of inadvertent injury to the eye from laser eyebrow removal. The cases included iritis, glaucoma (mostly pigment-related), pupil distortion and cataract, ultimately requiring surgery. This occurred despite wearing goggles- it seems if the fit is not perfect, the laser energy can seep through and attack the pigmented structures of the eyes. Caution is therefore advised.
I still do peribulbar (actually, the anesthesiologist does it for me), so when i enter the O.R., the eye sees and feels nothing and doesn’t move. I don’t have to nag the patient to look anywhere, like my residents do. Of course, with coumadin cases, I’ll do topical or sub-Tenon’s. Anyway, a meta-analysis by Dr. Zhu in Ophthalmology showed that topical is more painful than retrobulbar (about equal to peribulbar) – BUT, they excluded those …
There are numerous eye conditions associated with contact lens wear (see helpful summary in this 2010 article).
An article in the March 2013 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology examined the characteristics of patients with severe limbal stem cell deficiency associated with contact lens wear and possible therapies.
The article concluded that in severe cases of LSCD, conservative measures may not reverse the disease, and limbal stem cell transplantation with systemic immunosuppression should be …
Irv Aron has compiled a comprehensive list of clinical trials evaluating the use of stem cells in treating various eye diseases. The list, which includes links to relevant pages on the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials website, should be a very helpful resource for eyecare patients who wish to determine whether they are eligible to participate in particular trials.
These clinical trials will hopefully help unlock the potential of stem cells to restore vision to …
Ophthalmology: Collagen cross-linking has been shown to improve corneal curvature in diseases like keratoconus. The epithelium often is removed first, and researchers have shown that using the excimer laser to do this is better than mechanical debridement, with better astigmatism using the former.
Yellow rings may be noticeable from patients taking supplements for macular degeneration, probably from the carotene, according to a group from University of Pittsburgh. Not to be confused with Fleischer rings (which I finally saw once in the Kings County clinic last year). Patients may also have yellowish skin. Just another thing to look out for, or something to make yourself look good when asked by a colleague or attending for a differential diagnosis of …
We are excited to announce the launch of EyeDocNews Community, a new social network that allows individuals affected by eye disease, and their families, caregivers, and physicians, to exchange information and share experiences concerning the latest treatments and therapies for their condition.
We invite you to sign up for your free membership today. Members can start their own discussions, join support groups, and even publish their own personal blogs, thereby providing a …
As you may know, Advanced Cell Technology is currently running three stem cell clinical trials; two for treating Stargardt’s Disease, one in the U.S. and one in the UK; and one clinical trial in the U.S. for treating the dry form of AMD.
Due to a unique set of circumstances, it was disclosed that one of the …
In the past couple of months, I was asked to update an article I wrote on stem cells in ophthalmology, originally published in Retina Today, for its sister publication, Advanced Ocular Care, and to write a similar article about the current status of gene therapy for another ophthalmic publication, Retinal Physician. These two articles have now been published in the respective journals and made available online.
Here is a brief summary of each article, along with …
RetroSense is a biotechnology company using optogenetic approaches to treat retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and dry AMD.
Optogenetics refers to a technique for restoring vision that uses “opsins” to genetically convert retinal cells that were not previously, or natively light sensitive to become light sensitive, and thereby mimic the function of rods and cones.
For example, patients with retinitis pigmentosa experience progressive and irreversible vision loss because the rods and cones of their eyes die. …
Hemera Biosciences is a privately held biotechnology company developing anti-complement gene based therapies for the treatment of dry and wet age related macular degeneration (AMD).
Hemera recently has obtained initial funding, along with a U.S. patent for its CD59 gene therapy. The funding will allow Hemera to begin manufacturing its drug, as well as testing it on animals, and starting a Phase 1 study in humans.
To review, Hemera’s gene therapy uses an AAV2 vector to express …
After reading an interview with Dr. Elias Reichel, of Tufts University School of Medicine, concerning Allergan’s involvement with DARPin technology for use in treating wet AMD, and some further web research about the DARPin technology, I realized that an important element of Allergan’s work with DARPin is not only an improved anti-VEGF agent but a deal with Molecular Partners (the owners of the DARPin technology), announced last fall, to investigate and commercialize a dual action …
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (OTCBB: ACTC) announced last week that one of its clinical trial partners, UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute, has received FDA approval of its Investigational New Drug (IND) Application to initiate a Phase I/II study using ACTC’s retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to treat severe myopia (commonly known as nearsightedness).
The primary focus of the study will be to evaluate the safety in patients with severe myopia …
There are numerous eye conditions associated with contact lens wear (see helpful summary in this 2010 article).
An article in the March 2013 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology examined the characteristics of patients with severe limbal stem cell deficiency associated with contact lens wear and possible therapies.
The article concluded that in severe cases of LSCD, conservative measures may not reverse the disease, and limbal stem cell transplantation with systemic immunosuppression should be …
Project Glass is Google’s initiative to develop futuristic, Internet-connected glasses that show digital information right in front of your eyes, projected over the physical world, including directions, messages, and more.
Although they are not for sale quite yet, the company recently announced that it is holding events in New York City and San Fransisco where it will give software and app developers an opportunity to use the spectacles, and suggest software ideas and tie-ins. Alas, consumers …
I had the AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL lens implanted in both eyes 2 years ago. They were mono vision implants. OD is fine. I had a “piggyback implant” done to the OD one year following the implant to the OD. OS is blurry and I cannot read. Almost as if there is an opaqueness on the periphery. Had an angiogram of the eyes and there is a slight occulsion to a small …
We’ve blogged before about the effectiveness of the Visian ICL from STAAR Surgical Company (Nasdaq: STAA).
STAAR yesterday announced the launch of new global consumer awareness initiatives for the Visian® ICL product line. The initiatives include a redesigned consumer-friendly web site, increased support for practices and distributors for their own Visian ICL awareness campaigns and added consumer marketing in Asia.
Visian ICL is a vision correction alternative to LASIK involving …
As you may know, Advanced Cell Technology is currently running three stem cell clinical trials; two for treating Stargardt’s Disease, one in the U.S. and one in the UK; and one clinical trial in the U.S. for treating the dry form of AMD.
Due to a unique set of circumstances, it was disclosed that one of the …
In the past couple of months, I was asked to update an article I wrote on stem cells in ophthalmology, originally published in Retina Today, for its sister publication, Advanced Ocular Care, and to write a similar article about the current status of gene therapy for another ophthalmic publication, Retinal Physician. These two articles have now been published in the respective journals and made available online.
Here is a brief summary of each article, along with …
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (OTCBB: ACTC) announced last week that one of its clinical trial partners, UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute, has received FDA approval of its Investigational New Drug (IND) Application to initiate a Phase I/II study using ACTC’s retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to treat severe myopia (commonly known as nearsightedness).
The primary focus of the study will be to evaluate the safety in patients with severe myopia …
There are numerous eye conditions associated with contact lens wear (see helpful summary in this 2010 article).
An article in the March 2013 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology examined the characteristics of patients with severe limbal stem cell deficiency associated with contact lens wear and possible therapies.
The article concluded that in severe cases of LSCD, conservative measures may not reverse the disease, and limbal stem cell transplantation with systemic immunosuppression should be …
In late January, Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (OTCBB: ACTC) announced that it is amending the patient treatment protocol to enroll patients with better vision for the remainder of its Phase I clinical stem cell trials for Stargardt’s macular dystrophy (SMD) and dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) currently being conducted in the U.S. and Europe. As such, patients with a visual acuity of 20/100 will be eligible for enrollment in the remainder of the trials …
