Did you ever hear that diabetes is a disease of blood vessels? Most people think that the definition of diabetes is simply uncontrolled blood sugar, but, in reality, diabetes may be thought of as a vascular disease. Diabetes can be a very nasty disease affecting most organs in the body. Common problems caused by diabetes include peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure … [Read more...]
Part 3: Stem Cell’s Challenges Before Becoming Effective Therapy for Macular Degeneration
October 9, 2009 By 2 Comments
Stem cell research has come a long way in just a few years. Already the potential uses for stem cells seems infinite, but there are basic challenges that must be overcome, or discovered, before stem cell therapy becomes a reality. These challenges must be overcome for stem cells to become a useful treatment in any facet, not just macular degeneration. Stem cells … [Read more...]
Part 2: Transplanting Stem Cells to Treat Macular Degeneration
October 8, 2009 By 2 Comments
In the last post, we identified the Retinal Pigment Epithelium as the layer in the retina that becomes diseased in macular degeneration. The cells, once damaged, do not have the ability to divide, regenerate or regrow. Thus, permanent damage (i.e. loss of vision) ensues. By The Way. There are two basic types of stem cells; embryonic stem cells and adult (or … [Read more...]
SurModics’ Drug Delivery to Release Lucentis for Macular Degeneration
October 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment
In a press release this week, Surmodics, Inc., announced its agreement with Roche and Genentech, manufactureres of Lucentis® (ranibizumab), to develop a sustained release drug delivery system for the treatment of wet macular degeneration. Surmodics has a drug delivery system based upon biodegradable microparticles that may potentially reduce the annual number … [Read more...]
Part 1: Introduction to Stem Cells and Retinal Disease
October 7, 2009 By 6 Comments
This is the first of a small series regarding stem cells and their potential benefits to retinal diseases; principally macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. As diabetic retinopathy is primarily a disease of blood vessels, i.e.poor blood flow, loss of blood flow, leaking vessels, etc., macular degeneration is actually a disease of one of the layers of the … [Read more...]
New “Glossary” Should Clear Things Up!
October 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I started a new "page" yesterday. It is slightly different from a post in several ways, it may never be complete, yet it is published and visible to the public, and, you don't have to "search" for it as it will always have a link from the home page. The "glossary" is created to give you a better sense of all the definitions we use in the the eye field. It is … [Read more...]
Severe Loss of Vision from Diabetes is DECREASING!
October 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
A new study released last week confirms that we are making terrific progress in saving sight! The incidence of severe vision loss in Type I diabetes has decreased significantly over the past 25 years. The rate of severe vision loss dropped from 1.19% in 1980-82 to 0.30% in 2005-07. Incidence: an individual's chances of developing a medical problem (e.g. severe vision … [Read more...]
“AMD Alliance International” Launches Video Contest
October 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
AMD Alliance International, an international group that promotes awareness of age related macular degeneration (ARMD), is sponsoring a video contest that helps communicate the impact of macular degeneration. The contest is open to anyone. The video must be 3 minutes in length and convey the societal, psychological or physiological impact of macular degeneration. … [Read more...]
Intraocular Drug System Passing FDA Testing
October 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Earlier this week, I wrote about a device, Iluvien ™, that will release steroid into the eye. This drug delivery system is manufactured by Alimera Sciences. Read my earlier post "Company Hopes Injectable Implant To Cure Diabetic Macular Edema." Alimera Sciences has announced that early data is showing that the drug system is safe and effective in humans. The … [Read more...]
Defining “Blindness”
October 1, 2009 By 2 Comments
The two leading causes of "blindness" are macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this site is to underscore the importance of providing legitimate and credible information for those with either disease. If you were to believe everything you read, on the internet, or otherwise, you might feel that patients with either diabetes or macular … [Read more...]
