VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Inc, a developer of advanced visual prosthetic devices for individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), announced scientific and corporate presentations on its implantable telescope technology. VisionCare’s investigational telescope implant is the first medical device to be recommended for FDA approval by the FDA Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel for End-Stage AMD, a leading cause of untreatable blindness in the US.

Multi-specialty healthcare company Allergan Inc announced that it has received approval from the FDA for Ozurdex 0.7 mg indicated for the treatment of the eye disease macular edema. Ozurdex is a first-of-its kind therapy dispensed by way of intravitreal injection delivering dexamethasone, a highly potent corticosteroid, through its proprietary and innovative Novadur solid polymer delivery system.

A study conducted at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine suggests that higher intake of antioxidants is beneficial for eye health. The conclusion is based on the finding that a combination of exposure to blue light and lower plasma levels of antioxidants can cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Blue light was found to be damaging for retina. Doctors recommended the use of ocular protection and following of dietary instructions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has tracked a new treatment in the form of a capsule that promises to benefit patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa. In both these vision disorders, retina’s light-sensitive cells that relay signals to the brain begin to degenerate over time. Ultimately, it results in vision loss. The suggested product is an innovation from a Lincoln, RI, biotech company Neurotech. The capsule consists of genetically engineered cells which produce a protein that helps in protects the light-sensitive cells in the retina.

The Schepens Eye Research Institute have discovered a chemical in the eye that triggers non-neuronal cells to turn into progenitor cells, a stem-like cell that can generate new retinal cells. The research is published in the Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science journal, and offers hope for patients with damaged retinas due to diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

A study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has indicated an association between women who take postmenopausal hormones and the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the chief cause of blindness and loss of vision among older adults. According to the study led by Diane Feskanich, for women who had taken oral contraceptives, postmenopausal hormones reduced the risk of progression to advanced stages of AMD.

ScyFix has developed a device that treats eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, with electric currents. The clinical trials are currently underway in India and the U.S. The company hopes to be the first to introduce an FDA approved device designed to restore eyesight. Until now, the use of electricity to slow or even reverse the effects of eye diseases has never made it out of a laboratory, said Dr. Thomas Samuelson, a founding partner of Minnesota Eye Consultants.

People suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have twice the risk of dying from heart attack or stroke, Australian researchers report.

“We found a positive long-term link between AMD and subsequent cardiovascular and stroke mortality in a population of older Australians,” said lead researcher Dr. Paul Mitchell, from the Centre for Vision Research in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney. “This was particularly increased for late-blinding cases.”

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