Diana Shechtman OD FAAO
Although most people have an annual physical or dental exam, often times the annual eye exam is overlooked. Eyesight plays a critical role in our day-to-day lives. The ability to see certainly affects and interferes with the world around us. Good quality vision is taken for granted until it begins to deteriorate. Visual impairment leads to a decrease in our ability to perform activities of daily living, including driving, computer use and reading. 1,2 Visual impairment is one of the most common disabilities, affecting 314 million people worldwide and3 the majority of visually impaired patients are adults over the age of 65. Common eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts contribute to this. 4,5 Current and future research devoted to ocular disease will unquestionably provide better understanding of such diseases, viable treatment options and better visual outcome.
Eye care professional provide high quality eye care through the use of evidence based medicine enabling the advancement of eye care delivery and the development of new treatment options. In addition, eye care professionals provide good vision to their patients. Patients who experience vision loss attributed to eye related diseases are the ones that are at greatest need for proper visual enhancement. Moreover, uncorrected refractive error has been identified as a leading cause of visual impairment. 6
A routine eye exam is comprised of an overall health assessment of the eye and related structures, as well as the evaluation of vision, the visual system and vision processing. Various eye diseases, like age related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma are insidious and hence, a routine eye exam may identify such conditions before problems ensue. Early diagnosis of ocular disease leads to prompt treatment intervention and better prognosis. Patients need to be cognizant of the importance of annual and routine eye exams. Appropriate and routine eye care reduces the impact of various ocular conditions.
One of the main goals of an eye care professional is to ensure the best corrective vision for the patient. In fact, that is what patients expect. 7 According to a recently published on-line survey conducted among 7 distinct countries (US, France, UK, Italy, Japan, Korea and China), it was determined that vision was by far the most crucial element to all patients.7 The NSIGHT (Needs, symptoms, incidence, global, eye health trends) study was conducted among 3,800 patients with visual corrective needs ranging in age from 15 to 65 years.3 The survey evaluated 40 different needs related to eye conditions, comfort, environment, convenience, health vision, personal performance and appearance. The study’s primary goal was to determine the ranking associated with patients needs when it came to choosing eye-related products. Among the 8 classifications in the study, the two most persuasive categories were vision followed by eye health, while personal performance and comfort rank at the lowest range of the spectrum.
Eye care professionals continue to restore and improve their patients’ sight. What they do everyday is fundamental and ultimately it is what is most important to the patient. So see your eye care professional today.
References
1. Haymes SA, Johnston AW, Heyes AD. Relationship between vision impairment and ability to perform activities of daily living. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2002; 22: 79–173.
2. Lamoureux EL, Hassell JB, Keeffe JE. The determinants of participation in activities of daily living in people with impaired vision. AJO 137: 265-70.
3. Visual impairment and blindness. World Health organization. www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs282/en/ last accessed January 17, 2011.
4. Congdon N, O'Colmain B, Klaver CC, Klein R. et al. Causes and prevalence of visual impairment among adults in the United States. Archives of Ophthalmology 2004; 122:477-85.
5. Visual impairment and blindness. World Health organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs282/en/ Last access Jan 16, 2011.
6. Congdon NG, Friedman DS, Lietman T. Important Causes of Visual Impairment in the World Today. JAMA 2003; 290: 2057-2060.
7. Mack CJ, Merchea MM, Thomas H. A global survey reveals vision needs of highest importance amongst a vision-corrected population. Poster presented at AAO 2010; San Francisco
Showing posts with label amd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amd. Show all posts
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
U-M device can predict diabetes through eyes
by: PATRICIA ANSTETT
A vision testing device developed by two University of Michigan researchers is showing promise in the detection of diabetes, both in its early and potentially blinding stages.
It also may help diagnose changes that occur in the eye as early as 10 years before a person is diagnosed with macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
Eventually, eye doctors may use the device to determine if vitamins and drug injections taken by patients with macular degeneration actually stop progression of the disease, said Dr. Victor Elner, professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at U-M's Kellogg Eye Center.
Or it may help people at risk of diabetes, or diagnosed with it, to avoid complications by managing their disease with healthy diets and medicines, said Howard Petty, PhD, a U-M biophysicist and imaging expert and senior author of the study.
The device awaits further study and federal approval. Elner, Petty and a team of U-M scientists described their findings Monday in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.
Elner and Petty, who developed the device, have filed for a patent and formed a company, OcuSciences Inc. of Ann Arbor. Elner said the team definitely plans to study whether vitamins taken by people at risk of macular degeneration help them avoid getting the disease.
The device is a camera linked to computer software that provides a numerical value, or score, that suggests the beginnings or progression of a disease. It measures the activity of a protein associated with abnormal cell changes associated with both diabetes and certain eye diseases. The team hopes to develop composite pictures of images taken of the retina.
The test takes a snapshot of the retina. It is quick, painless and inexpensive -- as little as $20 for each test, compared to as much as $120 or more for standard blood glucose testing for diabetes, Petty said. It also avoids the need to fast and have blood drawn three times for standard oral glucose tests, he said.
The team is focused on diabetes, Elner said, because in nine of 10 cases of diabetes, these abnormal changes occur. Diabetes also is a major U.S. public health problem. Some 24 million Americans are diagnosed with the disease and another 57 million have abnormal blood sugar levels that are considered pre-diabetic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 4.1 million people 40 or older have diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding complication of the disease.
A vision testing device developed by two University of Michigan researchers is showing promise in the detection of diabetes, both in its early and potentially blinding stages.
It also may help diagnose changes that occur in the eye as early as 10 years before a person is diagnosed with macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
Eventually, eye doctors may use the device to determine if vitamins and drug injections taken by patients with macular degeneration actually stop progression of the disease, said Dr. Victor Elner, professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at U-M's Kellogg Eye Center.
Or it may help people at risk of diabetes, or diagnosed with it, to avoid complications by managing their disease with healthy diets and medicines, said Howard Petty, PhD, a U-M biophysicist and imaging expert and senior author of the study.
The device awaits further study and federal approval. Elner, Petty and a team of U-M scientists described their findings Monday in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.
Elner and Petty, who developed the device, have filed for a patent and formed a company, OcuSciences Inc. of Ann Arbor. Elner said the team definitely plans to study whether vitamins taken by people at risk of macular degeneration help them avoid getting the disease.
The device is a camera linked to computer software that provides a numerical value, or score, that suggests the beginnings or progression of a disease. It measures the activity of a protein associated with abnormal cell changes associated with both diabetes and certain eye diseases. The team hopes to develop composite pictures of images taken of the retina.
The test takes a snapshot of the retina. It is quick, painless and inexpensive -- as little as $20 for each test, compared to as much as $120 or more for standard blood glucose testing for diabetes, Petty said. It also avoids the need to fast and have blood drawn three times for standard oral glucose tests, he said.
The team is focused on diabetes, Elner said, because in nine of 10 cases of diabetes, these abnormal changes occur. Diabetes also is a major U.S. public health problem. Some 24 million Americans are diagnosed with the disease and another 57 million have abnormal blood sugar levels that are considered pre-diabetic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 4.1 million people 40 or older have diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding complication of the disease.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Age-Related Eye Disease Declining in U.S.
by: (HealthDay News)
The rate of age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of vision loss in the United States, has decreased in the last 15 years, a new study finds.
Researchers analyzed data from 7,081 people, aged 40 and older, who took part in the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The participants were assessed for signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and about 6.5 percent were found to have the disease.
The 1988 to 1994 NHANES found that the rate of AMD among Americans aged 40 and older was 9.4 percent, according to the study published in the January issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.
This finding has important implications for public health, said Dr. Ronald Klein, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and colleagues.
The most recent data also showed that blacks aged 60 and older had a lower rate of AMD than whites in the same age group, and that the rate of late (more advanced) AMD among all the participants was 0.8 percent.
"These [new] estimates are consistent with a decreasing incidence of AMD reported in another population-based study and have important public health implications," the researchers wrote in a journal news release.
"The decreasing prevalence of AMD may reflect recent change in the frequency of smoking and other exposures such as diet, physical activity and blood pressure associated with AMD," they suggested. "It remains to be seen whether public health programs designed to increase awareness of the relationships of these exposures to AMD in patients at risk and their physicians and eye care providers will continue to result in further decline of the prevalence of AMD in the United States.
The rate of age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of vision loss in the United States, has decreased in the last 15 years, a new study finds.
Researchers analyzed data from 7,081 people, aged 40 and older, who took part in the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The participants were assessed for signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and about 6.5 percent were found to have the disease.
The 1988 to 1994 NHANES found that the rate of AMD among Americans aged 40 and older was 9.4 percent, according to the study published in the January issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.
This finding has important implications for public health, said Dr. Ronald Klein, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and colleagues.
The most recent data also showed that blacks aged 60 and older had a lower rate of AMD than whites in the same age group, and that the rate of late (more advanced) AMD among all the participants was 0.8 percent.
"These [new] estimates are consistent with a decreasing incidence of AMD reported in another population-based study and have important public health implications," the researchers wrote in a journal news release.
"The decreasing prevalence of AMD may reflect recent change in the frequency of smoking and other exposures such as diet, physical activity and blood pressure associated with AMD," they suggested. "It remains to be seen whether public health programs designed to increase awareness of the relationships of these exposures to AMD in patients at risk and their physicians and eye care providers will continue to result in further decline of the prevalence of AMD in the United States.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Licenses Novel Ophthalmologic Therapies from Columbia University with Applications in Dry-AMD and Stargardt's Disease
Source: Columbia Technology Ventures
Alkeus Pharmaceuticals and Columbia University announced today that they have entered into a license agreement for a set of potential therapies for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (dry-AMD), Stargardt disease, and other degenerative diseases of the eye. Left untreated, these conditions often lead to impaired vision and even blindness.
Dr. Ilyas Washington, inventor of the technology and the Michael Jaharis Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center, has found in preclinical testing that the compounds can reduce accumulation of certain toxic pigments in the eye. These pigments, which accumulate with age, are thought to be partially responsible for the vision loss associated with dry-AMD and Stargardt disease. Other conditions that can lead to impaired vision and are also associated with the accumulation of vitamin A aggregates may also be addressed, including Best’s disease and certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa and of cone rod dystrophy.
“We have developed a modified vitamin A with the hope of halting vision loss or even restoring ocular function,” Dr. Washington says. “Humans have evolved to make use of natural micronutrients or vitamins that regulate a wide variety of physiological functions. By altering the chemical structure of these vitamins, we can potentially regulate or enhance the biological processes that they control.”
Dr. Leonide Saad, Chief Executive Officer of Alkeus, explained, “These vitamin A aggregates accumulate in dry-AMD and, to an even faster extent, in Stargardt disease due to a genetic defect that exacerbates this process. Ilyas has elegantly shown, in a mouse model of Stargardt, that slightly changing vitamin A significantly reduces the rate of formation of these aggregates, eventually preserving visual function.
“While these results are at the preclinical stage, the way vitamin A interacts with the human body is very well understood and gives us confidence of the low risk and the high potential to tackle these serious ocular diseases,” said Dr. Saad.
Other therapeutic compositions have been evaluated to reduce the accumulation of these vitamin A aggregates employing more invasive techniques, but the compounds developed by Dr. Washington rely on a novel and innocuous mechanism of action that strengthens the specific chemical bonds that have to be broken in order to form these aggregates.
“The problem with other approaches is that they affect the way vitamin A is processed in the eye, which often results in visual side effects such as slowed dark adaptation, hallucinations and night blindness,” commented Dr. Saad.
“We are very pleased to be working with Alkeus for the continued development of these therapies. In Alkeus, we believe we have found the best partner to efficiently and effectively drive commercialization of these therapies,” said Donna See, who oversees portfolio strategy and marketing for Columbia Technology Ventures, the technology transfer office of Columbia University. “As yet, there is no therapy to address impaired vision resulting from dry-AMD, a condition which affects millions of people around the world. Perhaps even more urgent is a therapy for the children who are affected by Stargardt. We look forward to hopefully one day being able to offer a way to help these patients and their families.”
About dry age-related macular degeneration: Dry-AMD is the number one cause of blindness in the western world with several million Americans living with poor vision and at a high risk of turning blind. With the aging population, the number of patients with AMD is expected to double by 2020. Although dry-AMD symptoms progress more slowly than the wet form of the disease, dry-AMD represents nearly 90% of all the AMD cases in the United States, and remains without any treatment, contrary to wet-AMD which can be treated with periodic ocular injections.
About Stargardt disease: Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration. It is a rare disease with a prevalence of one in 10,000 persons, or an estimated 30,000 people in the United States. Patients with Stargardt often start losing vision during their teenage years and will in most cases turn blind before becoming adults. As for dry-AMD, there is no treatment or cure.
About Columbia Technology Ventures
A leading academic and research university, Columbia University continually seeks to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to foster a campus community deeply engaged in understanding and addressing the complex global issues of our time. Columbia University's technology transfer office, Columbia Technology Ventures, manages Columbia's intellectual property portfolio and serves as the university's gateway for companies and entrepreneurs seeking novel technology solutions. Our core mission is to facilitate the transfer of inventions from academic research to outside organizations for the benefit of society on a local, national and global basis. For more information on Columbia Technology Ventures, please visit www.techventures.columbia.edu.
About Alkeus Pharmaceuticals
Alkeus is a clinical development biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new treatments for blindness and other serious ophthalmic conditions. Its lead compound, ALK-001, specifically addresses the excessive accumulation of toxic debris in the eyes of patients with dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease.
Alkeus Pharmaceuticals and Columbia University announced today that they have entered into a license agreement for a set of potential therapies for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (dry-AMD), Stargardt disease, and other degenerative diseases of the eye. Left untreated, these conditions often lead to impaired vision and even blindness.
Dr. Ilyas Washington, inventor of the technology and the Michael Jaharis Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center, has found in preclinical testing that the compounds can reduce accumulation of certain toxic pigments in the eye. These pigments, which accumulate with age, are thought to be partially responsible for the vision loss associated with dry-AMD and Stargardt disease. Other conditions that can lead to impaired vision and are also associated with the accumulation of vitamin A aggregates may also be addressed, including Best’s disease and certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa and of cone rod dystrophy.
“We have developed a modified vitamin A with the hope of halting vision loss or even restoring ocular function,” Dr. Washington says. “Humans have evolved to make use of natural micronutrients or vitamins that regulate a wide variety of physiological functions. By altering the chemical structure of these vitamins, we can potentially regulate or enhance the biological processes that they control.”
Dr. Leonide Saad, Chief Executive Officer of Alkeus, explained, “These vitamin A aggregates accumulate in dry-AMD and, to an even faster extent, in Stargardt disease due to a genetic defect that exacerbates this process. Ilyas has elegantly shown, in a mouse model of Stargardt, that slightly changing vitamin A significantly reduces the rate of formation of these aggregates, eventually preserving visual function.
“While these results are at the preclinical stage, the way vitamin A interacts with the human body is very well understood and gives us confidence of the low risk and the high potential to tackle these serious ocular diseases,” said Dr. Saad.
Other therapeutic compositions have been evaluated to reduce the accumulation of these vitamin A aggregates employing more invasive techniques, but the compounds developed by Dr. Washington rely on a novel and innocuous mechanism of action that strengthens the specific chemical bonds that have to be broken in order to form these aggregates.
“The problem with other approaches is that they affect the way vitamin A is processed in the eye, which often results in visual side effects such as slowed dark adaptation, hallucinations and night blindness,” commented Dr. Saad.
“We are very pleased to be working with Alkeus for the continued development of these therapies. In Alkeus, we believe we have found the best partner to efficiently and effectively drive commercialization of these therapies,” said Donna See, who oversees portfolio strategy and marketing for Columbia Technology Ventures, the technology transfer office of Columbia University. “As yet, there is no therapy to address impaired vision resulting from dry-AMD, a condition which affects millions of people around the world. Perhaps even more urgent is a therapy for the children who are affected by Stargardt. We look forward to hopefully one day being able to offer a way to help these patients and their families.”
About dry age-related macular degeneration: Dry-AMD is the number one cause of blindness in the western world with several million Americans living with poor vision and at a high risk of turning blind. With the aging population, the number of patients with AMD is expected to double by 2020. Although dry-AMD symptoms progress more slowly than the wet form of the disease, dry-AMD represents nearly 90% of all the AMD cases in the United States, and remains without any treatment, contrary to wet-AMD which can be treated with periodic ocular injections.
About Stargardt disease: Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration. It is a rare disease with a prevalence of one in 10,000 persons, or an estimated 30,000 people in the United States. Patients with Stargardt often start losing vision during their teenage years and will in most cases turn blind before becoming adults. As for dry-AMD, there is no treatment or cure.
About Columbia Technology Ventures
A leading academic and research university, Columbia University continually seeks to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to foster a campus community deeply engaged in understanding and addressing the complex global issues of our time. Columbia University's technology transfer office, Columbia Technology Ventures, manages Columbia's intellectual property portfolio and serves as the university's gateway for companies and entrepreneurs seeking novel technology solutions. Our core mission is to facilitate the transfer of inventions from academic research to outside organizations for the benefit of society on a local, national and global basis. For more information on Columbia Technology Ventures, please visit www.techventures.columbia.edu.
About Alkeus Pharmaceuticals
Alkeus is a clinical development biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new treatments for blindness and other serious ophthalmic conditions. Its lead compound, ALK-001, specifically addresses the excessive accumulation of toxic debris in the eyes of patients with dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Obesity and Macular Degeneration
Self-Help Series ® 2011 Alexander
Larry J Alexander, OD FAAO
larryalexander@tx.rr.com
Introduction
The self-help series is designed to give doctors and patients some guidelines to help minimize the risk of vision-threatening eye diseases. While directed specifically at age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), these guidelines are also applicable to other eye and systemic disorders. All of us should be developing Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC).
Does Your Weight Affect Macular Degeneration?
Unfortunately the world is plagued by both starvation and by excesses. In the developed countries we all probably eat more than necessary and the things we eat are often inappropriate to sustain proper health. Obesity is a chronic disease that potentiates the development of all kinds of symptoms including macular degeneration.
Diet and weight definitely influence the development of macular degeneration. One very interesting study related that excessive consumption of corn bread was significantly related to vision loss in ARMD. 1 This relationship was the result of high dietary glycemic indices often related to excessive consumption of carbohydrates. 2-3 Glycemic index is a measure of your spike in blood sugar after consuming any food. A follow-up article in this series will discuss how to minimize your glycemic index.
Evidence also exists that obesity was a risk factor for visually significant ARM in men, in particular for dry ARM. 4 Further studies point to the fact that in women, early age-related maculopathy was significantly associated with both body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, but more so waist-to-hip ratio. 5 One seemingly contrary report suggested that recent studies indicate that obesity is a probable risk factor for progression of ARMD, but there is no significant relation with the presence of ARMD. 6 Evidence exists that visceral obesity also contributes to the overall aging process by facilitating inflammation 7 that is likewise linked to macular degeneration. A very profound study found that middle-aged persons who had a 3% or greater reduction in Waist-Hip-Ratio over time were less likely to have ARMD, particularly among those who were initially obese. 8 More evidence has been presented that smoking, cardiovascular risk factors, use of calcium channel blockers, diabetes, and obesity are risk factors for late AMD in women. 9-11 Additional work has found that macular pigment (lutein and zeaxanthin) which helps protect the eye from developing macular degeneration is also lower in persons with excessive abdominal obesity and large waist circumference. 12-13 Further work emphasized that overall obesity and abdominal obesity increased the risk for progression to advanced ARMD, and more physical activity tended to decrease the risk. 14
Recommended Action to Help Yourself
In view of the overwhelming evidence we should all watch our weight and get as close as we can to the recommendations of our general physicians. Not only does weight affect our general health but excesses can likewise increase our risk for progression of macular degeneration. You can go to the national heart, lung and blood website http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ to calculate your body mass index to determine your personal weight situation.
References:
1. Holcomb CA. Consumption of carotenoid-rich foods and central vision loss: a matched case-controlled study in Kansas. J Nutr Elder 2004;24(1):1-18.
2. Chiu CJ, Milton RC, Klein R, Gensler G, Taylor A. Dietary carbohydrate and the progression of age-related macular degeneration: a prospective study from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86(4):1210-8.
3. Chiu CJ, Milton RC, Klein R, Gensler G, Taylor A. Association between dietary glycemic index and age-related macular degeneration in nondiabetic participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86(1):180-8.
4. Schaumberg DA, Christen WG, Hankinson SE, Glynn RJ. Body mass index and the incidence of visually significant age-related maculopathy in men.
Arch Ophthalmol. 2001 Sep;119(9):1259-65.
5. Klein BE, Klein R, Lee KE, Jensen SC. Measures of obesity and age-related eye diseases. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2001 Sep;8(4):251-62.
6. Moeini M, Masoudpour H, Ghanbari H. A study of the relation between body mass index and the incidence of age related macular degeneration. Br J Ophthalmol. 2005 Aug;89(8):964-6.
7. Ishida S. [Lifestyle-related diseases and anti-aging ophthalmology: suppression of retinal and choroidal pathologies by inhibiting renin-angiotensin system and inflammation] Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi. 2009 Mar;113(3):403-22; discussion 423.
8. Peeters A, Magliano DJ, Stevens J, Duncan BB, Klein R, Wong TY. Changes in abdominal obesity and age-related macular degeneration: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Nov;126(11):1554-60.
9. Klein R, Deng Y, Klein BE, Hyman L, Seddon J, Frank RN, Wallace RB, Hendrix SL, Kuppermann BD, Langer RD, Kuller L, Brunner R, Johnson KC, Thomas AM, Haan M. Cardiovascular disease, its risk factors and treatment, and age-related macular degeneration: Women's Health Initiative Sight Exam ancillary study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2007 Mar;143(3):473-83.
10. Schaumberg DA, Hankinson SE, Guo Q, Rimm E, Hunter DJ. A prospective study of 2 major age-related macular degeneration susceptibility alleles and interactions with modifiable risk factors. Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan;125(1):55-62.
11. Fraser-Bell S, Wu J, Klein R, Azen SP, Hooper C, Foong AW, Varma R. Cardiovascular risk factors and age-related macular degeneration: the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2008 Feb;145(2):308-16.
12. Mares JA, LaRowe TL, Snodderly DM, Moeller SM, Gruber MJ, Klein ML, Wooten BR, Johnson EJ, Chappell RJ; CAREDS Macular Pigment Study Group and Investigators. Predictors of optical density of lutein and zeaxanthin in retinas of older women in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an ancillary study of the Women's Health Initiative. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Nov;84(5):1107-22.
13. Johnson EJ. Obesity, lutein metabolism, and age-related macular degeneration: a web of connections. Nutr Rev. 2005 Jan;63(1):9-15.
14. Seddon JM, Cote J, Davis N, Rosner B. Progression of age-related macular degeneration: association with body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio. Arch Ophthalmol. 2003 Jun;121(6):785-92.
Larry J Alexander, OD FAAO
larryalexander@tx.rr.com
Introduction
The self-help series is designed to give doctors and patients some guidelines to help minimize the risk of vision-threatening eye diseases. While directed specifically at age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), these guidelines are also applicable to other eye and systemic disorders. All of us should be developing Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC).
Does Your Weight Affect Macular Degeneration?
Unfortunately the world is plagued by both starvation and by excesses. In the developed countries we all probably eat more than necessary and the things we eat are often inappropriate to sustain proper health. Obesity is a chronic disease that potentiates the development of all kinds of symptoms including macular degeneration.
Diet and weight definitely influence the development of macular degeneration. One very interesting study related that excessive consumption of corn bread was significantly related to vision loss in ARMD. 1 This relationship was the result of high dietary glycemic indices often related to excessive consumption of carbohydrates. 2-3 Glycemic index is a measure of your spike in blood sugar after consuming any food. A follow-up article in this series will discuss how to minimize your glycemic index.
Evidence also exists that obesity was a risk factor for visually significant ARM in men, in particular for dry ARM. 4 Further studies point to the fact that in women, early age-related maculopathy was significantly associated with both body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, but more so waist-to-hip ratio. 5 One seemingly contrary report suggested that recent studies indicate that obesity is a probable risk factor for progression of ARMD, but there is no significant relation with the presence of ARMD. 6 Evidence exists that visceral obesity also contributes to the overall aging process by facilitating inflammation 7 that is likewise linked to macular degeneration. A very profound study found that middle-aged persons who had a 3% or greater reduction in Waist-Hip-Ratio over time were less likely to have ARMD, particularly among those who were initially obese. 8 More evidence has been presented that smoking, cardiovascular risk factors, use of calcium channel blockers, diabetes, and obesity are risk factors for late AMD in women. 9-11 Additional work has found that macular pigment (lutein and zeaxanthin) which helps protect the eye from developing macular degeneration is also lower in persons with excessive abdominal obesity and large waist circumference. 12-13 Further work emphasized that overall obesity and abdominal obesity increased the risk for progression to advanced ARMD, and more physical activity tended to decrease the risk. 14
Recommended Action to Help Yourself
In view of the overwhelming evidence we should all watch our weight and get as close as we can to the recommendations of our general physicians. Not only does weight affect our general health but excesses can likewise increase our risk for progression of macular degeneration. You can go to the national heart, lung and blood website http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ to calculate your body mass index to determine your personal weight situation.
References:
1. Holcomb CA. Consumption of carotenoid-rich foods and central vision loss: a matched case-controlled study in Kansas. J Nutr Elder 2004;24(1):1-18.
2. Chiu CJ, Milton RC, Klein R, Gensler G, Taylor A. Dietary carbohydrate and the progression of age-related macular degeneration: a prospective study from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86(4):1210-8.
3. Chiu CJ, Milton RC, Klein R, Gensler G, Taylor A. Association between dietary glycemic index and age-related macular degeneration in nondiabetic participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86(1):180-8.
4. Schaumberg DA, Christen WG, Hankinson SE, Glynn RJ. Body mass index and the incidence of visually significant age-related maculopathy in men.
Arch Ophthalmol. 2001 Sep;119(9):1259-65.
5. Klein BE, Klein R, Lee KE, Jensen SC. Measures of obesity and age-related eye diseases. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2001 Sep;8(4):251-62.
6. Moeini M, Masoudpour H, Ghanbari H. A study of the relation between body mass index and the incidence of age related macular degeneration. Br J Ophthalmol. 2005 Aug;89(8):964-6.
7. Ishida S. [Lifestyle-related diseases and anti-aging ophthalmology: suppression of retinal and choroidal pathologies by inhibiting renin-angiotensin system and inflammation] Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi. 2009 Mar;113(3):403-22; discussion 423.
8. Peeters A, Magliano DJ, Stevens J, Duncan BB, Klein R, Wong TY. Changes in abdominal obesity and age-related macular degeneration: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Nov;126(11):1554-60.
9. Klein R, Deng Y, Klein BE, Hyman L, Seddon J, Frank RN, Wallace RB, Hendrix SL, Kuppermann BD, Langer RD, Kuller L, Brunner R, Johnson KC, Thomas AM, Haan M. Cardiovascular disease, its risk factors and treatment, and age-related macular degeneration: Women's Health Initiative Sight Exam ancillary study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2007 Mar;143(3):473-83.
10. Schaumberg DA, Hankinson SE, Guo Q, Rimm E, Hunter DJ. A prospective study of 2 major age-related macular degeneration susceptibility alleles and interactions with modifiable risk factors. Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan;125(1):55-62.
11. Fraser-Bell S, Wu J, Klein R, Azen SP, Hooper C, Foong AW, Varma R. Cardiovascular risk factors and age-related macular degeneration: the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2008 Feb;145(2):308-16.
12. Mares JA, LaRowe TL, Snodderly DM, Moeller SM, Gruber MJ, Klein ML, Wooten BR, Johnson EJ, Chappell RJ; CAREDS Macular Pigment Study Group and Investigators. Predictors of optical density of lutein and zeaxanthin in retinas of older women in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an ancillary study of the Women's Health Initiative. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Nov;84(5):1107-22.
13. Johnson EJ. Obesity, lutein metabolism, and age-related macular degeneration: a web of connections. Nutr Rev. 2005 Jan;63(1):9-15.
14. Seddon JM, Cote J, Davis N, Rosner B. Progression of age-related macular degeneration: association with body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio. Arch Ophthalmol. 2003 Jun;121(6):785-92.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Small Steps to Healthy Eyes
by:Reuters
People who lead an overall healthy life by exercising, eating right and not smoking, run a significantly lower risk of eye degeneration, a major cause of visual impairment in older adults, says a study.
Exercise and diet each reduced the risk, but both combined, along with a lack of smoking,caused the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to fall by more than 70%, says study author Julie Mares, at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. “Relatively small things could make a difference,” said Mares.
Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces. For the study, published in Archives of Ophthalmology, researchers reviewed information about diet, exercise and smoking from 1,313 women between the ages of 55 and 74.
The results showed that even 10 hours per week of light exercise, including housework, gardening and walking — or 8 hours of moderate exercise a week, lowered the risk of AMD since diet and exercise lower blood pressure, which can protect the eyes from degeneration
People who lead an overall healthy life by exercising, eating right and not smoking, run a significantly lower risk of eye degeneration, a major cause of visual impairment in older adults, says a study.
Exercise and diet each reduced the risk, but both combined, along with a lack of smoking,caused the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to fall by more than 70%, says study author Julie Mares, at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. “Relatively small things could make a difference,” said Mares.
Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces. For the study, published in Archives of Ophthalmology, researchers reviewed information about diet, exercise and smoking from 1,313 women between the ages of 55 and 74.
The results showed that even 10 hours per week of light exercise, including housework, gardening and walking — or 8 hours of moderate exercise a week, lowered the risk of AMD since diet and exercise lower blood pressure, which can protect the eyes from degeneration
Monday, December 20, 2010
Macular Degeneration is not the end of sight
Submitted by Ria Patel
Joanne Preece, 84, is suffering from macular degeneration. She exclaimed how amazing it was how we all take our vision for granted, and that how it could all be gone in a moment.
The disability not only took away her sight, it also stole her freedom. She said how she stopped driving because she could see the oncoming traffic which would scare me to death.
Dr. Kathryn A. Colby explained how during the end stage of macular degeneration, the patient looking at someone could see the shoulders and the hair, but not the face.
Due to her disability, Preece's entire view of the world is changing. Now she has a telescope the size of a pea implanted in her eye. A couple of high-powered lenses magnify all that she sees.
The implant is placed right at the junction between the clear part and the white part of the eye. And the implantation is to be made just into a single eye. A tiny incision is to be made in the cornea by the doctors, who then take out the cataract or damaged lens and put the telescopic lens in their place instead.
During the surgery, the patients are given sedation, but they are awake.
Joanne Preece, 84, is suffering from macular degeneration. She exclaimed how amazing it was how we all take our vision for granted, and that how it could all be gone in a moment.
The disability not only took away her sight, it also stole her freedom. She said how she stopped driving because she could see the oncoming traffic which would scare me to death.
Dr. Kathryn A. Colby explained how during the end stage of macular degeneration, the patient looking at someone could see the shoulders and the hair, but not the face.
Due to her disability, Preece's entire view of the world is changing. Now she has a telescope the size of a pea implanted in her eye. A couple of high-powered lenses magnify all that she sees.
The implant is placed right at the junction between the clear part and the white part of the eye. And the implantation is to be made just into a single eye. A tiny incision is to be made in the cornea by the doctors, who then take out the cataract or damaged lens and put the telescopic lens in their place instead.
During the surgery, the patients are given sedation, but they are awake.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Stem Cells Get FDA Nod For Stargardt's Disease
by Randall V. Wong, M.D.
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., received FDA approval for starting Phase I/II clinical trial to use stem cells for the treatment of Stargardt’s disease. Stargardt’s disease is an inherited type of macular degeneration affecting individuals at age 10-20. There is no cure.
Similar to other macular diseases, the photoreceptors, and the layer of cells just beneath, call the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), become destroyed due to a genetic defect. Due to the macular involvement, central vision is lost.
Stargardt’s disease is the a common form of “macular degeneration” that afflicts the young. It is estimated to affect about 30,000 people worldwide. It shares in common with ARMD (age related macular degeneration) the loss of photoreceptors secondary to RPE damage and degeneration.
Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) claims the ability to generate healthy RPE cells from human embryonic stem cells. The idea is to replace the genetically diseased RPE cells with healthy replacements. In theory, the healthy RPE cells should prevent loss of the photoreceptors, thereby preserving vision.
The phase I/II study will involve 12 patients enrolled into several centers across the United States. The initial experiments will determine if the RPE cells are indeed safe and if they can be tolerated by the human recipients (i.e., does the body reject the new RPE cells?).
What Does This Mean? Stargardt’s disease has no cure, and therefore, are great subjects to consider for this possible treatment. In a way, there is nothing to lose. Stargardt’s patients also have or had vision, that is, they have experience with vision. We know that these patients have fully developed visual pathways.
While this group is very small in comparison to patients with macular degeneration, the significance this holds for a potential, effective treatment can only be left to our imagination. Even a small success in this trial is exciting.
The news of this trial is exciting, but remember further testing (clinical trials III and IV) need to be completed. Also, the techniques for introducing the cells safely underneath the retina need to be accomplished, too.
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., received FDA approval for starting Phase I/II clinical trial to use stem cells for the treatment of Stargardt’s disease. Stargardt’s disease is an inherited type of macular degeneration affecting individuals at age 10-20. There is no cure.
Similar to other macular diseases, the photoreceptors, and the layer of cells just beneath, call the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), become destroyed due to a genetic defect. Due to the macular involvement, central vision is lost.
Stargardt’s disease is the a common form of “macular degeneration” that afflicts the young. It is estimated to affect about 30,000 people worldwide. It shares in common with ARMD (age related macular degeneration) the loss of photoreceptors secondary to RPE damage and degeneration.
Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) claims the ability to generate healthy RPE cells from human embryonic stem cells. The idea is to replace the genetically diseased RPE cells with healthy replacements. In theory, the healthy RPE cells should prevent loss of the photoreceptors, thereby preserving vision.
The phase I/II study will involve 12 patients enrolled into several centers across the United States. The initial experiments will determine if the RPE cells are indeed safe and if they can be tolerated by the human recipients (i.e., does the body reject the new RPE cells?).
What Does This Mean? Stargardt’s disease has no cure, and therefore, are great subjects to consider for this possible treatment. In a way, there is nothing to lose. Stargardt’s patients also have or had vision, that is, they have experience with vision. We know that these patients have fully developed visual pathways.
While this group is very small in comparison to patients with macular degeneration, the significance this holds for a potential, effective treatment can only be left to our imagination. Even a small success in this trial is exciting.
The news of this trial is exciting, but remember further testing (clinical trials III and IV) need to be completed. Also, the techniques for introducing the cells safely underneath the retina need to be accomplished, too.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Maintaining a 20/20 Visual Acuity
by Ponti Carlo Aranda
On normal conditions, when nurses use the Snellen’s chart to test one’s vision, 20/20 signifies the perfect eyesight. This type of examination is usually performed not only in hospitals but also in educational institutions as students enroll themselves to study in that school.
As long we do not encounter any factors that can perturb our eyes, then our visual acuity will remain that way.
However, as we begin to age, our senses including our vision tend to deteriorate. The clear eye lenses become cloudy and lose its flexibility. The retina located at the back of the eyes also loses its sensitivity to light and leads to glaucoma which is a common condition among the elderly.
How do we maintain healthy eyesight? Here are some fundamental don’ts and do’s concerning about eye care:
DON’TS
* Never stare on any bright objects most especially the sun since they can surely damage your eyesight. With regards to TV screens and computer monitors, try to lower their brightness.
* Do not engage on paper and writing works when there isn’t a sufficient light. Writing and reading can cause so much stress to your eyes. To manage this problem, you can use a soft white light but make sure that it does not produce a glare that gives a reflection directly to your eyes.
* Never stare on TV screens or computer monitors for a long time. Studies have suggested that after 20 minutes of staring at the screen, look away about 20 feet ahead of you for 20 seconds. This is what they call the 20-20-20 rule. This rule can assist you in reducing strains to your eyes. You may also want to blink every 10 seconds to provide lubrication to your eyes. Sometimes, it is a fact that when we are too preoccupied with our work, we tend to forget blinking which makes the strain continuous.
* Of course, smoking should be ceased and avoid second-hand smoke as well. Studies have confirmed that smoking has a link to macular degeneration, cataract as well as damage to the optic nerve. All of these serious conditions can lead to blindness.
* Try to limit your eyes from being exposed to dusty places.
DO’S
* Eat foods rich in vitamin A and other sources that are good for maintaining good eyesight. Examples of these foods are dark leafy greens (broccoli, spinach). Watermelons contain lutein which is very healthy for the eyes. Lastly, eat fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
* Engage in regular exercises and deep breathing sessions. A regular exercise can decrease eye strains by approximately twenty percent. Moreover, deep breathing exercises also have the same effect. These two methods are very helpful to those individuals with glaucoma since this disorder may cause headache and an increase in intraocular pressure.
* Wear sunglasses when on outdoor locations. It is true that wearing sunglasses can make you look dashing but the primary function of these products is to shield your eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
* Make proper hand washing your daily habit. Though it is discouraged to rub our eyes using our hands, there are moments that we tend to forget this advice. That is why it is highly encouraged to maintain the habit of proper hand washing just in case we accidentally rub our eyes. However, let us always practice ourselves to minimize this bad habit.
* Rest your eyes most especially if you do not need to use them. An example of this advice is when talking over the phone. Since you do not need to open your eyes while talking, just close them and within that moment, your eyes are being rested.
* Regularly check your blood sugar. Diabetics are known to experience a high risk of eye disease. A study confirmed that proper management of blood sugar greatly declines the risk of diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. If you are a diabetic, a yearly consultation with your eye specialist is highly suggested.
* If possible, get a yearly eye check-up. Usually, conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration do not give warning signs; hence, visiting an eye specialist is the only way to make sure that you are not experiencing the first stage of these eye disorders.
On normal conditions, when nurses use the Snellen’s chart to test one’s vision, 20/20 signifies the perfect eyesight. This type of examination is usually performed not only in hospitals but also in educational institutions as students enroll themselves to study in that school.
As long we do not encounter any factors that can perturb our eyes, then our visual acuity will remain that way.
However, as we begin to age, our senses including our vision tend to deteriorate. The clear eye lenses become cloudy and lose its flexibility. The retina located at the back of the eyes also loses its sensitivity to light and leads to glaucoma which is a common condition among the elderly.
How do we maintain healthy eyesight? Here are some fundamental don’ts and do’s concerning about eye care:
DON’TS
* Never stare on any bright objects most especially the sun since they can surely damage your eyesight. With regards to TV screens and computer monitors, try to lower their brightness.
* Do not engage on paper and writing works when there isn’t a sufficient light. Writing and reading can cause so much stress to your eyes. To manage this problem, you can use a soft white light but make sure that it does not produce a glare that gives a reflection directly to your eyes.
* Never stare on TV screens or computer monitors for a long time. Studies have suggested that after 20 minutes of staring at the screen, look away about 20 feet ahead of you for 20 seconds. This is what they call the 20-20-20 rule. This rule can assist you in reducing strains to your eyes. You may also want to blink every 10 seconds to provide lubrication to your eyes. Sometimes, it is a fact that when we are too preoccupied with our work, we tend to forget blinking which makes the strain continuous.
* Of course, smoking should be ceased and avoid second-hand smoke as well. Studies have confirmed that smoking has a link to macular degeneration, cataract as well as damage to the optic nerve. All of these serious conditions can lead to blindness.
* Try to limit your eyes from being exposed to dusty places.
DO’S
* Eat foods rich in vitamin A and other sources that are good for maintaining good eyesight. Examples of these foods are dark leafy greens (broccoli, spinach). Watermelons contain lutein which is very healthy for the eyes. Lastly, eat fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
* Engage in regular exercises and deep breathing sessions. A regular exercise can decrease eye strains by approximately twenty percent. Moreover, deep breathing exercises also have the same effect. These two methods are very helpful to those individuals with glaucoma since this disorder may cause headache and an increase in intraocular pressure.
* Wear sunglasses when on outdoor locations. It is true that wearing sunglasses can make you look dashing but the primary function of these products is to shield your eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
* Make proper hand washing your daily habit. Though it is discouraged to rub our eyes using our hands, there are moments that we tend to forget this advice. That is why it is highly encouraged to maintain the habit of proper hand washing just in case we accidentally rub our eyes. However, let us always practice ourselves to minimize this bad habit.
* Rest your eyes most especially if you do not need to use them. An example of this advice is when talking over the phone. Since you do not need to open your eyes while talking, just close them and within that moment, your eyes are being rested.
* Regularly check your blood sugar. Diabetics are known to experience a high risk of eye disease. A study confirmed that proper management of blood sugar greatly declines the risk of diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. If you are a diabetic, a yearly consultation with your eye specialist is highly suggested.
* If possible, get a yearly eye check-up. Usually, conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration do not give warning signs; hence, visiting an eye specialist is the only way to make sure that you are not experiencing the first stage of these eye disorders.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Canon U.S.A.'s Newest Retinal Camera, the Cr-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic, Receives FDA Clearence
By Canon, Inc.
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., November 16, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the Canon CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)1.
Integrating the latest in Canon's retinal imaging technology and enhancements in a compact frame, the Canon CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera is the Company's newest and lightest retinal camera to date, weighing only 33 pounds. The CR-2 retinal camera can be easily installed or for added convenience, can be easily transported when needed. The illuminated control panel allows medical staff to easily navigate operations in darkened rooms. Contributing to a lower total-cost-of-ownership, the white LED lamp used in the CR-2 retinal camera uses less power than a xenon tube and lasts approximately twice as long, which can help to reduce energy costs in medical facilities.
"Obtaining FDA clearance of the CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera helps reaffirm our commitment to eye care professionals by instituting superb imaging technology and in turn, contributing to the quality care of their patients." said Tsuneo Imai, senior director and general manager, Medical Systems Division, Canon U.S.A.
The CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera joins Canon's complete line of total digital imaging solutions and workflow management solutions for ophthalmic professionals. The CR-2 retinal camera is available for purchase through authorized Canon dealers.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number six in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2010 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives.
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., November 16, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the Canon CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)1.
Integrating the latest in Canon's retinal imaging technology and enhancements in a compact frame, the Canon CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera is the Company's newest and lightest retinal camera to date, weighing only 33 pounds. The CR-2 retinal camera can be easily installed or for added convenience, can be easily transported when needed. The illuminated control panel allows medical staff to easily navigate operations in darkened rooms. Contributing to a lower total-cost-of-ownership, the white LED lamp used in the CR-2 retinal camera uses less power than a xenon tube and lasts approximately twice as long, which can help to reduce energy costs in medical facilities.
"Obtaining FDA clearance of the CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera helps reaffirm our commitment to eye care professionals by instituting superb imaging technology and in turn, contributing to the quality care of their patients." said Tsuneo Imai, senior director and general manager, Medical Systems Division, Canon U.S.A.
The CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera joins Canon's complete line of total digital imaging solutions and workflow management solutions for ophthalmic professionals. The CR-2 retinal camera is available for purchase through authorized Canon dealers.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number six in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2010 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Ophthalmologists Experience Visual Maladies To Improve Care for Patients
by Dave McKinley & Dooley O'Rourke
BUFFALO, NY - It is said one can learn much by walking a mile in another person's shoes.
Such was the case Thursday night at the Olmsted Center for Sight on Main Street, where a unique exercise was held to help physicians provide better care for their patients.
"Well we came up with this crazy idea actually," said the center's Director of Marketing Linda Wiecek, in describing how two dozen area Ophthalmologists were invited to sit down for dinner, in a fashion which would allow them to share their patients' view of the world --or lack thereof.
Upon their arrival each doctor was asked to choose a festive mardi gras style mask to wear at the event.
However, the eye holes of each mask were outfitted with occluders, to simulate one of the four most common causes of visual impairments.
Upon donning a mask to simulate macular degeneration, Dr. Paul Lee suddenly found that the middle of his field of vision had been impaired.
"Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the country, and often times its irreversible so the earlier you diagnose it the better we can treat you," Dr. Lee told WGRZ-TV.
In contrast, Dr. Melissa Neal selected a mask outfitted to simulate the effects of glaucoma, and set about discovering what it was like for a person with impaired peripheral vision.
"In my former practice, I treated a lot of patients with glaucoma and I kind of have a passion for it," she explained
After socializing, and struggling a bit with their new found disabilities, the doctors sat down for dinner...then the lights were turned out.
They proceeded to dine as many of their patients do -- in the dark.
Some gingerly set about consuming their meals, at times struggling to find their drinking glasses or silverware and put fork-to plate-to mouth.
The whole idea of temporarily disabling their sight was to make them better doctors by seeing through the eyes of their patients.
"It's tougher than I thought," said Dr. Lee. "I kept on bumping into my colleagues ...it's a whole lot different than I really thought it was going to be."
"I'll never truly understand (living with glaucoma) because when things got more difficult I could just take my mask off," Said Dr. Neal. "But it does give me a little bit more sympathy and understanding for my patients and their frustrations," she said.
BUFFALO, NY - It is said one can learn much by walking a mile in another person's shoes.
Such was the case Thursday night at the Olmsted Center for Sight on Main Street, where a unique exercise was held to help physicians provide better care for their patients.
"Well we came up with this crazy idea actually," said the center's Director of Marketing Linda Wiecek, in describing how two dozen area Ophthalmologists were invited to sit down for dinner, in a fashion which would allow them to share their patients' view of the world --or lack thereof.
Upon their arrival each doctor was asked to choose a festive mardi gras style mask to wear at the event.
However, the eye holes of each mask were outfitted with occluders, to simulate one of the four most common causes of visual impairments.
Upon donning a mask to simulate macular degeneration, Dr. Paul Lee suddenly found that the middle of his field of vision had been impaired.
"Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the country, and often times its irreversible so the earlier you diagnose it the better we can treat you," Dr. Lee told WGRZ-TV.
In contrast, Dr. Melissa Neal selected a mask outfitted to simulate the effects of glaucoma, and set about discovering what it was like for a person with impaired peripheral vision.
"In my former practice, I treated a lot of patients with glaucoma and I kind of have a passion for it," she explained
After socializing, and struggling a bit with their new found disabilities, the doctors sat down for dinner...then the lights were turned out.
They proceeded to dine as many of their patients do -- in the dark.
Some gingerly set about consuming their meals, at times struggling to find their drinking glasses or silverware and put fork-to plate-to mouth.
The whole idea of temporarily disabling their sight was to make them better doctors by seeing through the eyes of their patients.
"It's tougher than I thought," said Dr. Lee. "I kept on bumping into my colleagues ...it's a whole lot different than I really thought it was going to be."
"I'll never truly understand (living with glaucoma) because when things got more difficult I could just take my mask off," Said Dr. Neal. "But it does give me a little bit more sympathy and understanding for my patients and their frustrations," she said.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Calvert Research Awarded $245,000 to support futher Development of its Age-Related Macular Degeneration Drug Candidate
By Calvert Research
Calvert Research, LLC announced today that one of the Company’s therapeutic development programs (T1-1081) qualified to receive federal grant funding totaling approximately $245,000 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (“The ACT”), which will be used to help advance T1-1081 toward an IND application filing.
The Act created a $1.0 billion federal program to provide grants or tax credits to help support certain “Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Projects” that have been designated by the Department of Health and Human Services using the following criteria: (a) the potential to create a novel therapy to treat unmet medical needs; (b) the potential to reduce long-term health care costs in the U.S., and (c) be among those projects with the greatest potential to create and sustain jobs and increase U.S. competitiveness.
T1-1081 is currently undergoing preclinical evaluation as a potentially more effective treatment for the wet form of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which is a major cause of significant vision loss in people over age 50 affecting millions worldwide. T1-1081 was specifically designed to affect multiple factors that lead to vision loss by targeting and destroying unwanted blood vessels in the back of the eye that cause this disease, by blocking formation of new blood vessels, and by reducing inflammation that damages retinal cells. T1-1081 also has the potential to treat other serious ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, and the dry form of AMD
“We are very pleased to have been awarded the maximum amount from this competitive grant program, which will be used to help advance T1-1081 toward human clinical studies,” said Dr. Michael A. Recny, President of Calvert Research. “We licensed rights to develop and commercialize T1-1081 from Tulane University in 2009, and it represents a key component of our strategy to assemble a diverse portfolio of novel preclinical stage therapeutic compounds that we can advance quickly and efficiently toward human studies by leveraging our extensive in-house preclinical development expertise together with our preferred network of contract service partners”.
About Calvert Research
Commercial success in building the next generation of therapeutic drugs begins with identifying and acquiring the rights to the best potential drug candidates from top academic institutions and early stage biotechnology companies. Calvert Research has long-established relationships with the leaders in over 160 academic technology transfer departments across North America and thousands of researchers at these institutions to source the best opportunities for investment.
Calvert Research designs a customized, integrated approach for each new drug candidate it acquired by utilizing senior scientists who have world-class experience in the design and submission of IND enabling preclinical development studies to regulatory agencies worldwide. Since 2004, Calvert Research has invested in four preclinical stage therapeutic development programs, and to date has achieved three successful exits from selling or sublicensing rights to commercial partners, demonstrating a proven track record of success.
About Calvert Holdings, Inc.
Formed in 1996, Calvert Holdings, Inc. (http://www.calvertholdings.com) is a privately-held company consisting of a diverse portfolio of companies including Calvert Labs, Calvert Research, Calvert Corporate Funding, and Calvert Creative.
Calvert Holdings is a company of people who are passionately engaged in contributing to the future well being of the planet we live on. By analyzing how emerging discoveries and current trends will affect future global needs, we position resources and apply our skills to meet them.
About Calvert Labs
As a global service provider, Calvert Labs' core offerings include toxicology (acute through chronic & carcinogenicity plus reproductive and developmental), pharmacokinetics & ADME, pharmacology, safety pharmacology, immunotoxicology and immunology.
About Calvert Corporate Funding
Calvert Corporate Funding has emerged from its parent, Calvert Holdings, Inc., to address the needs of small and mid-sized companies seeking an alternative source of capital from traditional banking and lending institutions. Recent economic challenges, financial reform, and bank credit restrictions have created a need for viable options to be made available to business owners and operators.
In addition to its extensive network of non-bank lenders, Calvert Corporate Funding is a direct representative of the Global Finance Group, whose network includes a consortium of seventeen non-bank lenders. This array of investors specializes in lending to credit-worthy business owners/operators using creative financial packages. Due to our extensive banking and asset-based lending experience, we are able to identify the optimum lender/company match.
Calvert Research, LLC announced today that one of the Company’s therapeutic development programs (T1-1081) qualified to receive federal grant funding totaling approximately $245,000 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (“The ACT”), which will be used to help advance T1-1081 toward an IND application filing.
The Act created a $1.0 billion federal program to provide grants or tax credits to help support certain “Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Projects” that have been designated by the Department of Health and Human Services using the following criteria: (a) the potential to create a novel therapy to treat unmet medical needs; (b) the potential to reduce long-term health care costs in the U.S., and (c) be among those projects with the greatest potential to create and sustain jobs and increase U.S. competitiveness.
T1-1081 is currently undergoing preclinical evaluation as a potentially more effective treatment for the wet form of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which is a major cause of significant vision loss in people over age 50 affecting millions worldwide. T1-1081 was specifically designed to affect multiple factors that lead to vision loss by targeting and destroying unwanted blood vessels in the back of the eye that cause this disease, by blocking formation of new blood vessels, and by reducing inflammation that damages retinal cells. T1-1081 also has the potential to treat other serious ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, and the dry form of AMD
“We are very pleased to have been awarded the maximum amount from this competitive grant program, which will be used to help advance T1-1081 toward human clinical studies,” said Dr. Michael A. Recny, President of Calvert Research. “We licensed rights to develop and commercialize T1-1081 from Tulane University in 2009, and it represents a key component of our strategy to assemble a diverse portfolio of novel preclinical stage therapeutic compounds that we can advance quickly and efficiently toward human studies by leveraging our extensive in-house preclinical development expertise together with our preferred network of contract service partners”.
About Calvert Research
Commercial success in building the next generation of therapeutic drugs begins with identifying and acquiring the rights to the best potential drug candidates from top academic institutions and early stage biotechnology companies. Calvert Research has long-established relationships with the leaders in over 160 academic technology transfer departments across North America and thousands of researchers at these institutions to source the best opportunities for investment.
Calvert Research designs a customized, integrated approach for each new drug candidate it acquired by utilizing senior scientists who have world-class experience in the design and submission of IND enabling preclinical development studies to regulatory agencies worldwide. Since 2004, Calvert Research has invested in four preclinical stage therapeutic development programs, and to date has achieved three successful exits from selling or sublicensing rights to commercial partners, demonstrating a proven track record of success.
About Calvert Holdings, Inc.
Formed in 1996, Calvert Holdings, Inc. (http://www.calvertholdings.com) is a privately-held company consisting of a diverse portfolio of companies including Calvert Labs, Calvert Research, Calvert Corporate Funding, and Calvert Creative.
Calvert Holdings is a company of people who are passionately engaged in contributing to the future well being of the planet we live on. By analyzing how emerging discoveries and current trends will affect future global needs, we position resources and apply our skills to meet them.
About Calvert Labs
As a global service provider, Calvert Labs' core offerings include toxicology (acute through chronic & carcinogenicity plus reproductive and developmental), pharmacokinetics & ADME, pharmacology, safety pharmacology, immunotoxicology and immunology.
About Calvert Corporate Funding
Calvert Corporate Funding has emerged from its parent, Calvert Holdings, Inc., to address the needs of small and mid-sized companies seeking an alternative source of capital from traditional banking and lending institutions. Recent economic challenges, financial reform, and bank credit restrictions have created a need for viable options to be made available to business owners and operators.
In addition to its extensive network of non-bank lenders, Calvert Corporate Funding is a direct representative of the Global Finance Group, whose network includes a consortium of seventeen non-bank lenders. This array of investors specializes in lending to credit-worthy business owners/operators using creative financial packages. Due to our extensive banking and asset-based lending experience, we are able to identify the optimum lender/company match.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
American Eye-Q survey shows men and women don't see eye- to-eye on vision health
October 28, 2010
According to the AOA annual American Eye-Q® survey, men and women have different views and habits when it comes to eye and vision health. From seasonal allergies to ultraviolet protection to the best foods for eye health, the survey finds men and women are on different sides of the fence.
“While there is disagreement, the good news is the majority of both men and women understand the importance of maintaining eye and visual health through regular comprehensive eye exams,” said Dori Carlson, O.D., president-elect of the AOA. “But as a wife, it’s not surprising to me that men and women can have differing points of view.”
“Regardless of a patient’s gender, an assessment from an optometrist is a significant part of preventive health care,” said Mark Helgeson, O.D., husband of Dr. Carlson. “Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and multiple sclerosis may be caught during a comprehensive eye exam.”
Seasonal eye allergies
According to the American Eye-Q® survey, more women (73 percent) than men (67 percent) report suffering from seasonal eye allergies that cause itchy and watery eyes. Surprisingly though, more men (16 percent) than women (9 percent) have missed work because of seasonal eye allergies. Men listed the top two things that allergies interfere with on a daily basis as participating in recreational outdoor activities (37 percent) and sleep (36 percent). Women cited participating in recreational outdoor activities and the ability to think or concentrate (both at 27 percent).
UV protection for the eyes
When it comes to protecting against the sun’s damaging rays, more women (35 percent) than men (28 percent) are concerned with checking for UV protection when purchasing sunglasses. The survey also showed more men (36 percent) than women (27 percent) mistakenly believe name-brand sunglasses are better for your eyes and offer more protection than generic or less expensive sunglasses.
“Overexposure of the eyes to UV rays is serious and can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration or, in some cases, skin cancer around the eyelids,” said Dr. Helgeson. “The ladies win in this case; you should always look for sunglasses that offer good protection, blocking 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screening out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.”
Nutrition and eye health
According to the American Eye-Q® survey, the majority of men and women believe carrots are the best food for your eyes. Slightly more men (14 percent) than women (11 percent), however, correctly identified spinach as a better food for promoting eye health.
“In fact, spinach and other dark leafy greens are the healthiest foods for the eyes because they naturally contain large amounts of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that can help protect against diseases like age-related macular degeneration,” said Dr. Carlson.
Computer Vision Syndrome
The AOA defines computer vision syndrome (CVS) as a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. Regular eye care and changes in behavior can help alleviate CVS.
For every 20 minutes of computer viewing, the AOA recommends looking into the distance for 20 seconds to give your eyes a chance to refocus.
The survey shows more men (59 percent) than women (53 percent) experience vision issues from using tech devices like computers. Women (17 percent) came out ahead of men (13 percent), though, when it comes to taking visual breaks every 20 minutes. The majority of both men and women said they take breaks every 30 to 60 minutes.
Aging eyes
The survey results indicated that 40 is the most common age at which Americans begin noticing changes in their vision. However, the way in which men and women cope with age-related eye problems differ.
Men use brighter lights when performing tasks (36 percent), while women limit their night driving (35 percent). Men and women agree that their biggest concern related to developing serious vision problems is being unable to live independently. For women, the next biggest concern is being unable to read, while for men it was not being able to see their loved ones.
Additional interesting findings
Bad habits are hard to break for both sexes. When asked what is the longest they’d worn daily disposable contact lenses before replacing them, the top response among men was one week (27 percent), while women indicated two months or longer (27 percent).
With the popularity of 3-D televisions on the rise, it’s no surprise more men (35 percent) than women (16 percent) are considering purchasing one in the future.
Comprehensive eye exams
Even though men and women vary in their eye and vision behaviors, the majority of both sexes indicated they have seen an eye doctor within the last two years. Many eye and vision problems don’t have obvious signs or symptoms, so problems can often be undetected.
Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health, and when possible, preventing vision loss.
Comprehensive eye exams are designed to:
* Evaluate the functional status of the eyes, taking into account special vision demands and needs
* Assess vision health and related systemic health conditions
* Determine a diagnosis (or diagnoses)
* Formulate a treatment and management plan
* Counsel and educate patients about their visual, ocular and related systemic health care status, including recommendations for treatment, management and future care
Consumers are encouraged to find an optometrist in their area and get more information on eye and vision health by visiting www.aoa.org.
According to the AOA annual American Eye-Q® survey, men and women have different views and habits when it comes to eye and vision health. From seasonal allergies to ultraviolet protection to the best foods for eye health, the survey finds men and women are on different sides of the fence.
“While there is disagreement, the good news is the majority of both men and women understand the importance of maintaining eye and visual health through regular comprehensive eye exams,” said Dori Carlson, O.D., president-elect of the AOA. “But as a wife, it’s not surprising to me that men and women can have differing points of view.”
“Regardless of a patient’s gender, an assessment from an optometrist is a significant part of preventive health care,” said Mark Helgeson, O.D., husband of Dr. Carlson. “Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and multiple sclerosis may be caught during a comprehensive eye exam.”
Seasonal eye allergies
According to the American Eye-Q® survey, more women (73 percent) than men (67 percent) report suffering from seasonal eye allergies that cause itchy and watery eyes. Surprisingly though, more men (16 percent) than women (9 percent) have missed work because of seasonal eye allergies. Men listed the top two things that allergies interfere with on a daily basis as participating in recreational outdoor activities (37 percent) and sleep (36 percent). Women cited participating in recreational outdoor activities and the ability to think or concentrate (both at 27 percent).
UV protection for the eyes
When it comes to protecting against the sun’s damaging rays, more women (35 percent) than men (28 percent) are concerned with checking for UV protection when purchasing sunglasses. The survey also showed more men (36 percent) than women (27 percent) mistakenly believe name-brand sunglasses are better for your eyes and offer more protection than generic or less expensive sunglasses.
“Overexposure of the eyes to UV rays is serious and can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration or, in some cases, skin cancer around the eyelids,” said Dr. Helgeson. “The ladies win in this case; you should always look for sunglasses that offer good protection, blocking 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screening out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.”
Nutrition and eye health
According to the American Eye-Q® survey, the majority of men and women believe carrots are the best food for your eyes. Slightly more men (14 percent) than women (11 percent), however, correctly identified spinach as a better food for promoting eye health.
“In fact, spinach and other dark leafy greens are the healthiest foods for the eyes because they naturally contain large amounts of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that can help protect against diseases like age-related macular degeneration,” said Dr. Carlson.
Computer Vision Syndrome
The AOA defines computer vision syndrome (CVS) as a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. Regular eye care and changes in behavior can help alleviate CVS.
For every 20 minutes of computer viewing, the AOA recommends looking into the distance for 20 seconds to give your eyes a chance to refocus.
The survey shows more men (59 percent) than women (53 percent) experience vision issues from using tech devices like computers. Women (17 percent) came out ahead of men (13 percent), though, when it comes to taking visual breaks every 20 minutes. The majority of both men and women said they take breaks every 30 to 60 minutes.
Aging eyes
The survey results indicated that 40 is the most common age at which Americans begin noticing changes in their vision. However, the way in which men and women cope with age-related eye problems differ.
Men use brighter lights when performing tasks (36 percent), while women limit their night driving (35 percent). Men and women agree that their biggest concern related to developing serious vision problems is being unable to live independently. For women, the next biggest concern is being unable to read, while for men it was not being able to see their loved ones.
Additional interesting findings
Bad habits are hard to break for both sexes. When asked what is the longest they’d worn daily disposable contact lenses before replacing them, the top response among men was one week (27 percent), while women indicated two months or longer (27 percent).
With the popularity of 3-D televisions on the rise, it’s no surprise more men (35 percent) than women (16 percent) are considering purchasing one in the future.
Comprehensive eye exams
Even though men and women vary in their eye and vision behaviors, the majority of both sexes indicated they have seen an eye doctor within the last two years. Many eye and vision problems don’t have obvious signs or symptoms, so problems can often be undetected.
Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health, and when possible, preventing vision loss.
Comprehensive eye exams are designed to:
* Evaluate the functional status of the eyes, taking into account special vision demands and needs
* Assess vision health and related systemic health conditions
* Determine a diagnosis (or diagnoses)
* Formulate a treatment and management plan
* Counsel and educate patients about their visual, ocular and related systemic health care status, including recommendations for treatment, management and future care
Consumers are encouraged to find an optometrist in their area and get more information on eye and vision health by visiting www.aoa.org.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Synexus sets its sights on ophthalmology
SynexusPosted on:25 Oct 10
Synexus is set to take part in a number of global ophthalmology trials following recent investment in clinical research expertise and technology in this area.
Chief Executive, Dr Christophe Berthoux says that ophthalmology offers considerable growth potential for Synexus: “There is significant demand for new ocular drugs, not only for currently untreatable conditions, but also for improved treatments for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, and this is set to increase the size of the market, making it attractive to more pharma companies. There have been relatively few new drugs brought to market in this area, for example, between 1995 and 2003, there were no new ocular drugs approved by the FDA, and until recently this area of drug development was dominated by only a few companies. Our recent involvement in this field indicates that this is changing and that more companies will be extending their operations into ophthalmology.”
Clinical trials in ophthalmology have historically suffered from a shortage of ophthalmologists with expertise in drug development, and also from the need for investment in expensive screening and diagnostic equipment. Synexus has a proven track record of investing in state-of-the-art technology in order to deliver clinical trials results and also experience of teaming up with leading specialists who work exclusively on their trials. This approach is already proving popular in the ophthalmology field according to Chief Operating Officer, Jane Restorick: “Our expansion earlier this year, with a significantly increased presence in the CEE, puts Synexus in a very strong position to deliver the right patients for ophthalmology trials. Changes in global population demographics, in particular the increasingly ageing population, necessitate the speeding up of ocular drug development, and the need for a greater number of more effective treatments for eye disorders. The way Synexus operates means that we can respond quickly with investment in equipment and in clinical expertise.”
There are an estimated 45 million blind people and 135 million visually impaired people worldwide. Age-related macular degeneration (40%), glaucoma (13%) and diabetic retinopathy (8%) are the three most common causes of visual impairment and blindness. Clinical trials in the ophthalmology area are vital to speed up progress in dealing with serious eye diseases including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and eye herpes.
Synexus is set to take part in a number of global ophthalmology trials following recent investment in clinical research expertise and technology in this area.
Chief Executive, Dr Christophe Berthoux says that ophthalmology offers considerable growth potential for Synexus: “There is significant demand for new ocular drugs, not only for currently untreatable conditions, but also for improved treatments for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, and this is set to increase the size of the market, making it attractive to more pharma companies. There have been relatively few new drugs brought to market in this area, for example, between 1995 and 2003, there were no new ocular drugs approved by the FDA, and until recently this area of drug development was dominated by only a few companies. Our recent involvement in this field indicates that this is changing and that more companies will be extending their operations into ophthalmology.”
Clinical trials in ophthalmology have historically suffered from a shortage of ophthalmologists with expertise in drug development, and also from the need for investment in expensive screening and diagnostic equipment. Synexus has a proven track record of investing in state-of-the-art technology in order to deliver clinical trials results and also experience of teaming up with leading specialists who work exclusively on their trials. This approach is already proving popular in the ophthalmology field according to Chief Operating Officer, Jane Restorick: “Our expansion earlier this year, with a significantly increased presence in the CEE, puts Synexus in a very strong position to deliver the right patients for ophthalmology trials. Changes in global population demographics, in particular the increasingly ageing population, necessitate the speeding up of ocular drug development, and the need for a greater number of more effective treatments for eye disorders. The way Synexus operates means that we can respond quickly with investment in equipment and in clinical expertise.”
There are an estimated 45 million blind people and 135 million visually impaired people worldwide. Age-related macular degeneration (40%), glaucoma (13%) and diabetic retinopathy (8%) are the three most common causes of visual impairment and blindness. Clinical trials in the ophthalmology area are vital to speed up progress in dealing with serious eye diseases including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and eye herpes.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Eyetech Announces Program to Develop Extended-Release Formulation of Macugen
by mincho2008
Eyetech Inc. announced today a program to develop an extended-release formulation of Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium injection) using microparticles technology. Macugen, a selective inhibitor of VEGF-165, is approved for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (neovascular AMD). The goal of the Macugen extended-release formulation is to decrease the frequency of dosing from every six weeks to every four to six months. Eyetech is collaborating with SurModics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading drug delivery company, to develop the extended-release version of Macugen under a licensing and development agreement that was signed in 2005. The development program was announced today at the second annual Ophthalmology Innovation Summit in Chicago.
"An extended-release formulation of Macugen could offer several potential advantages to physicians, patients with neovascular AMD and their families, including a more convenient dosing schedule, improved compliance, and a lower risk of complications related to the injection," said Scott W. Cousins, M.D., project leader for the Macugen Microparticles Program and vice-chair of research in the Department of Ophthalmology at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC. "I look forward to advancing the Microparticles development program."
Neovascular AMD is a chronic condition that requires long-tem treatment. Recent studies evaluating the injection frequency and visual outcomes using anti-VEGF therapies have shown that giving the treatments on an 'as needed' basis leads to under-treatment and significantly less vision gains.(i) In addition, recently published and presented clinical studies have investigated anti-VEGF therapy as a potential treatment for patients with other retina diseases, such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). New drug delivery technologies may be of interest to physicians who serve these patient populations.
Mike Atieh, executive chairman of Eyetech Inc., said: "The announcement of the Microparticles program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the needs of the retina community and collaborating to provide safe and effective treatment options for patients suffering from retina disease."
Eyetech Inc. has the worldwide rights to the Macugen Microparticles program.
About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a chronic, progressive disease of the central portion of the retina called the macula, resulting in the loss of central vision. The most common symptoms are a central blurred or blank spot, distortion of objects or simply blurred vision. Peripheral vision usually remains intact. AMD is classified into two forms: atrophic, referred to as dry AMD, and neovascular or wet AMD.
In neovascular AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow and leak into the macula, resulting in loss of vision. Neovascular AMD is the more severe form of the disease and progresses more rapidly than the dry type. Although it accounts for only about 10-15 percent of all macular degeneration cases, neovascular AMD is responsible for 90 percent of blindness caused by the disease.
About Macugen
Macugen, a selective inhibitor of VEGF-165, is indicated in the United States for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (neovascular AMD) and is administered in a 0.3-mg dose once every six weeks by intravitreal injection. Macugen is a pegylated anti-VEGF aptamer, which binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that plays a critical role in angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and increased permeability (leakage from blood vessels), two pathological processes that contribute to the vision loss associated with neovascular AMD.
Eyetech Inc. markets and sells Macugen in the United States and Pfizer Inc. markets and sells Macugen outside of the United States. For full prescribing information about Macugen, please visit http://www.macugen.com/.
Important Safety Information
Macugen is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections or with known hypersensitivity to pegaptanib sodium or any other excipient of this product.
Safety or efficacy of Macugen beyond two years has not been demonstrated.
Intravitreal injections including those with Macugen have been associated with endophthalmitis. Proper aseptic injection technique -- which includes use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent) -- should always be utilized when administering Macugen. In addition, patients should be monitored during the week following the injection to permit early treatment, should an infection occur.
Increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been seen within 30 minutes of injection with Macugen. Therefore, IOP as well as the perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored and managed appropriately.
Rare cases of anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions, including angioedema, have been reported in postmarketing experience following the intravitreal administration procedure.
Serious adverse events related to the injection procedure occurring in less than 1% of intravitreal injections included endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and iatrogenic traumatic cataract.
Most frequently reported adverse events in patients treated for up to two years were anterior chamber inflammation, blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival hemorrhage, corneal edema, eye discharge, eye irritation, eye pain, hypertension, increased IOP, ocular discomfort, punctate keratitis, reduced visual acuity, visual disturbance, vitreous floaters, and vitreous opacities. These events occurred in approximately 10% to 40% of patients.
About Eyetech Inc.
Eyetech Inc. is a unique, independent 100% employee-owned and operated biotechnology company dedicated exclusively to the treatment of sight-threatening diseases of the retina.
Eyetech Inc. announced today a program to develop an extended-release formulation of Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium injection) using microparticles technology. Macugen, a selective inhibitor of VEGF-165, is approved for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (neovascular AMD). The goal of the Macugen extended-release formulation is to decrease the frequency of dosing from every six weeks to every four to six months. Eyetech is collaborating with SurModics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading drug delivery company, to develop the extended-release version of Macugen under a licensing and development agreement that was signed in 2005. The development program was announced today at the second annual Ophthalmology Innovation Summit in Chicago.
"An extended-release formulation of Macugen could offer several potential advantages to physicians, patients with neovascular AMD and their families, including a more convenient dosing schedule, improved compliance, and a lower risk of complications related to the injection," said Scott W. Cousins, M.D., project leader for the Macugen Microparticles Program and vice-chair of research in the Department of Ophthalmology at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC. "I look forward to advancing the Microparticles development program."
Neovascular AMD is a chronic condition that requires long-tem treatment. Recent studies evaluating the injection frequency and visual outcomes using anti-VEGF therapies have shown that giving the treatments on an 'as needed' basis leads to under-treatment and significantly less vision gains.(i) In addition, recently published and presented clinical studies have investigated anti-VEGF therapy as a potential treatment for patients with other retina diseases, such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). New drug delivery technologies may be of interest to physicians who serve these patient populations.
Mike Atieh, executive chairman of Eyetech Inc., said: "The announcement of the Microparticles program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the needs of the retina community and collaborating to provide safe and effective treatment options for patients suffering from retina disease."
Eyetech Inc. has the worldwide rights to the Macugen Microparticles program.
About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a chronic, progressive disease of the central portion of the retina called the macula, resulting in the loss of central vision. The most common symptoms are a central blurred or blank spot, distortion of objects or simply blurred vision. Peripheral vision usually remains intact. AMD is classified into two forms: atrophic, referred to as dry AMD, and neovascular or wet AMD.
In neovascular AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow and leak into the macula, resulting in loss of vision. Neovascular AMD is the more severe form of the disease and progresses more rapidly than the dry type. Although it accounts for only about 10-15 percent of all macular degeneration cases, neovascular AMD is responsible for 90 percent of blindness caused by the disease.
About Macugen
Macugen, a selective inhibitor of VEGF-165, is indicated in the United States for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (neovascular AMD) and is administered in a 0.3-mg dose once every six weeks by intravitreal injection. Macugen is a pegylated anti-VEGF aptamer, which binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that plays a critical role in angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and increased permeability (leakage from blood vessels), two pathological processes that contribute to the vision loss associated with neovascular AMD.
Eyetech Inc. markets and sells Macugen in the United States and Pfizer Inc. markets and sells Macugen outside of the United States. For full prescribing information about Macugen, please visit http://www.macugen.com/.
Important Safety Information
Macugen is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections or with known hypersensitivity to pegaptanib sodium or any other excipient of this product.
Safety or efficacy of Macugen beyond two years has not been demonstrated.
Intravitreal injections including those with Macugen have been associated with endophthalmitis. Proper aseptic injection technique -- which includes use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent) -- should always be utilized when administering Macugen. In addition, patients should be monitored during the week following the injection to permit early treatment, should an infection occur.
Increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been seen within 30 minutes of injection with Macugen. Therefore, IOP as well as the perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored and managed appropriately.
Rare cases of anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions, including angioedema, have been reported in postmarketing experience following the intravitreal administration procedure.
Serious adverse events related to the injection procedure occurring in less than 1% of intravitreal injections included endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and iatrogenic traumatic cataract.
Most frequently reported adverse events in patients treated for up to two years were anterior chamber inflammation, blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival hemorrhage, corneal edema, eye discharge, eye irritation, eye pain, hypertension, increased IOP, ocular discomfort, punctate keratitis, reduced visual acuity, visual disturbance, vitreous floaters, and vitreous opacities. These events occurred in approximately 10% to 40% of patients.
About Eyetech Inc.
Eyetech Inc. is a unique, independent 100% employee-owned and operated biotechnology company dedicated exclusively to the treatment of sight-threatening diseases of the retina.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Radio for the Blind on S.C. chopping block
By Carolyn Click
Published: October 03. 2010
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Since she lost her sight four years ago, Margaret Gutman has come to rely on a state-run radio reading program for the blind to provide her with news from the three major South Carolina papers, opinion pieces from local and national commentators, health and gardening news, and the occasional offbeat magazine article.
So when she learned last month that the South Carolina Educational Radio for the Blind, in existence since the 1970s, was set to become another casualty of the state's economic downturn, she was devastated.
“I just think it is cutting out so much of the outside world,” said Gutman, 76, who suffers from wet macular degeneration, a chronic eye disease that causes swift vision loss in the center of a person's field of vision.
Gutman listens “24/7” to the service, she said, often turning on her special receiver late at night when she cannot sleep to hear volunteers read from The State newspaper, The (Charleston) Post and Courier and The Greenville News. Volunteers read local stories, obituaries, op-ed pieces and even the grocery specials — information the sighted skim quickly and take for granted.
Cutting off ‘my outside world'
When you are blind, “You lose your driving privileges ... you lose the ability even to shop, to look at prices on things and to recognize things in grocery stores,” Gutman said Thursday.
“I just feel they are cutting off a big chunk of my life, my outside world to some degree.”
Her husband, retired Air Force Maj. Walter Gutman, already has written to the governor to voice his concern at the loss of the programming — the only service for the blind that focuses on state current events.
James Kirby, commissioner for the S.C. Commission for the Blind, said he understands the pain and frustration of the legally blind South Carolinians who rely on the service, delivered through special receivers tuned to a dedicated sub channel of ETV.
About 5,000 blind residents around the state have the lent receivers in their homes.
But as the agency's budget over the last two years was reduced from $3.9 million to $2.2 million, Kirby said he determined the $120,000 program, run by three staffers with 50 volunteer readers, had to go.
Kirby said he tried to protect the state-funded radio program, along with children's and blind prevention services, even as he worked to make sure there was enough state funding for rehabilitation programs that receive a significant 80-20 federal dollar match.
‘Double whammy'
“When we cut state dollars in those programs, we have a double whammy,” said Kirby, who plans to elicit support in the state Legislature to restore the service.
About four years ago, he noted, Gov. Mark Sanford tried to eliminate the program, an effort that was turned back.
“When we start the budget process in January we are going to seek the restoration of funds,” Kirby said.
That's good news, too, to the 50 volunteers who have contributed a total of 2,700 hours of reading time over the years and believe the program, with its emphasis on volunteers, is about as efficient as any in state government. The local radio programming is supplemented by additional programming.
“In the grand scheme of the state budget this is such a minor amount of money,” said Don Caughman, who has been reading newspaper and magazine articles to his blind listeners for 31 years. “I and other volunteers over the years have given an awful lot of time to give a service that didn't cost the state anything. It's a little bit annoying to me that it gets lumped in with everything else.”
Caughman began volunteering one morning a week before work, then two.
Since his retirement from BellSouth in 2000, he spends three early mornings inside one of the four sound booths at the studio.
“I try to think about people listening as I talk,” Caughman said. “I try to do it with a certain amount of enthusiasm and proper enunciation.”
Don Siebert, a retired University of South Carolina English professor who created a half-hour show “All About Words” for the blind audience, agrees.
“It seems like the defenseless are the first cut,” said Siebert, who like other volunteers had to audition to become a reader. “This isn't the biggest tragedy in the world, obviously, but it is a shame given how little it costs. It's a symptom of this whole climate of cutting, cutting, cutting.”
ARTICLE ACCESS: This article is among those available to all readers. Many more
Published: October 03. 2010
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Since she lost her sight four years ago, Margaret Gutman has come to rely on a state-run radio reading program for the blind to provide her with news from the three major South Carolina papers, opinion pieces from local and national commentators, health and gardening news, and the occasional offbeat magazine article.
So when she learned last month that the South Carolina Educational Radio for the Blind, in existence since the 1970s, was set to become another casualty of the state's economic downturn, she was devastated.
“I just think it is cutting out so much of the outside world,” said Gutman, 76, who suffers from wet macular degeneration, a chronic eye disease that causes swift vision loss in the center of a person's field of vision.
Gutman listens “24/7” to the service, she said, often turning on her special receiver late at night when she cannot sleep to hear volunteers read from The State newspaper, The (Charleston) Post and Courier and The Greenville News. Volunteers read local stories, obituaries, op-ed pieces and even the grocery specials — information the sighted skim quickly and take for granted.
Cutting off ‘my outside world'
When you are blind, “You lose your driving privileges ... you lose the ability even to shop, to look at prices on things and to recognize things in grocery stores,” Gutman said Thursday.
“I just feel they are cutting off a big chunk of my life, my outside world to some degree.”
Her husband, retired Air Force Maj. Walter Gutman, already has written to the governor to voice his concern at the loss of the programming — the only service for the blind that focuses on state current events.
James Kirby, commissioner for the S.C. Commission for the Blind, said he understands the pain and frustration of the legally blind South Carolinians who rely on the service, delivered through special receivers tuned to a dedicated sub channel of ETV.
About 5,000 blind residents around the state have the lent receivers in their homes.
But as the agency's budget over the last two years was reduced from $3.9 million to $2.2 million, Kirby said he determined the $120,000 program, run by three staffers with 50 volunteer readers, had to go.
Kirby said he tried to protect the state-funded radio program, along with children's and blind prevention services, even as he worked to make sure there was enough state funding for rehabilitation programs that receive a significant 80-20 federal dollar match.
‘Double whammy'
“When we cut state dollars in those programs, we have a double whammy,” said Kirby, who plans to elicit support in the state Legislature to restore the service.
About four years ago, he noted, Gov. Mark Sanford tried to eliminate the program, an effort that was turned back.
“When we start the budget process in January we are going to seek the restoration of funds,” Kirby said.
That's good news, too, to the 50 volunteers who have contributed a total of 2,700 hours of reading time over the years and believe the program, with its emphasis on volunteers, is about as efficient as any in state government. The local radio programming is supplemented by additional programming.
“In the grand scheme of the state budget this is such a minor amount of money,” said Don Caughman, who has been reading newspaper and magazine articles to his blind listeners for 31 years. “I and other volunteers over the years have given an awful lot of time to give a service that didn't cost the state anything. It's a little bit annoying to me that it gets lumped in with everything else.”
Caughman began volunteering one morning a week before work, then two.
Since his retirement from BellSouth in 2000, he spends three early mornings inside one of the four sound booths at the studio.
“I try to think about people listening as I talk,” Caughman said. “I try to do it with a certain amount of enthusiasm and proper enunciation.”
Don Siebert, a retired University of South Carolina English professor who created a half-hour show “All About Words” for the blind audience, agrees.
“It seems like the defenseless are the first cut,” said Siebert, who like other volunteers had to audition to become a reader. “This isn't the biggest tragedy in the world, obviously, but it is a shame given how little it costs. It's a symptom of this whole climate of cutting, cutting, cutting.”
ARTICLE ACCESS: This article is among those available to all readers. Many more
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Week Unites Organizations around the World
NEW YORK, Sept. 17 Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which affects more than 10 million older Americans, continues to be the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. The global cost of the disease according to a recent report is estimated at $343 billion, underscoring the need for swift actions to raise awareness of prevention and treatment options.
During this year's AMD Week, which runs from September 18-26,some of the leading eye-care organizations from 25 countries, has issued a call to action to doctors, patients and caregivers through the public awareness campaign "Don't Surrender to AMD."
This is a promising time for patients as preventative measures and effective, timely treatments have the ability to alter the disease tremendously,but macular disease is only as preventable and manageable as people are knowledgeable. Knowing the facts can significantly improve a person's chances of maintaining healthy vision and a better quality of life."
The National Institutes of Health projects the number of AMD diagnoses to double to 20 million by 2020. Losing vision has devastating consequences to an individual's daily life and those affected by the disease often suffer from severe depression and loss of independence.
However, those at-risk and AMD patients can take steps to reduce needless sight loss. AMD can be prevented or slowed down if a person takes action to keep his or her vision healthy. Along with regular eye exams, the first step is a healthy lifestyle (Don't smoke, take exercise, eat healthily and use sunglasses in bright sunlight). Specially formulated vitamins for those affected by the disease may help, and effective clinically-approved treatments are available for the most severe form of AMD.
In addition, low vision rehabilitation and support services can significantly help patients live with the disease and make the most of their remaining vision.
AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage,we have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year.
Through its "Don't Surrender to AMD" campaign,has increased public education efforts - which will span across print, radio, and digital media, including an interactive e-card - to inform the public of preventative measures and treatment options that are available in the fight against AMD.
During this year's AMD Week, which runs from September 18-26,some of the leading eye-care organizations from 25 countries, has issued a call to action to doctors, patients and caregivers through the public awareness campaign "Don't Surrender to AMD."
This is a promising time for patients as preventative measures and effective, timely treatments have the ability to alter the disease tremendously,but macular disease is only as preventable and manageable as people are knowledgeable. Knowing the facts can significantly improve a person's chances of maintaining healthy vision and a better quality of life."
The National Institutes of Health projects the number of AMD diagnoses to double to 20 million by 2020. Losing vision has devastating consequences to an individual's daily life and those affected by the disease often suffer from severe depression and loss of independence.
However, those at-risk and AMD patients can take steps to reduce needless sight loss. AMD can be prevented or slowed down if a person takes action to keep his or her vision healthy. Along with regular eye exams, the first step is a healthy lifestyle (Don't smoke, take exercise, eat healthily and use sunglasses in bright sunlight). Specially formulated vitamins for those affected by the disease may help, and effective clinically-approved treatments are available for the most severe form of AMD.
In addition, low vision rehabilitation and support services can significantly help patients live with the disease and make the most of their remaining vision.
AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage,we have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year.
Through its "Don't Surrender to AMD" campaign,has increased public education efforts - which will span across print, radio, and digital media, including an interactive e-card - to inform the public of preventative measures and treatment options that are available in the fight against AMD.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Don't Surrender To Macular Degeneration
By ARA
Aging gracefully can require you to accept certain changes in your body, from gray or thinning hair to skin that's less firm than it was in your youth. But loss of vision shouldn't be on your short list of changes that are an inevitable part of growing older.
If you're older than 50, you should know about your eye health and what you can do to prevent or slow vision loss. Age-related macular degeneration, commonly known as AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. AMD affects about 10 million people in the U.S., and that number is projected to double by 2020, according to the National Institutes of Health.
"AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage," says Dr. Alan Cruess, Chairman of AMD Alliance International's Scientific Advisory Panel. "We have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year."
AMD is a degenerative disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina (think of it as your eye's internal projection screen) responsible for clear central vision. There are two types of AMD - "dry" and "wet." The dry form affects 85 to 90 percent of people with AMD and causes varying degrees of vision loss, characterized by a collection of deposits in the macula called drusen. Far less common, but much more serious, wet AMD causes severe vision loss, as abnormal blood vessels grow and leak blood and fluid into the eye.
If you take certain measures to keep your eyes healthy, you can prevent AMD or slow its progress. AMD Alliance International suggests taking the following three steps to help prevent and manage AMD.
1. Get regular eye exams
Everyone older than 50 should get regular eye exams. Most people believe they receive eye exams as often as they should. However, according to a recent AMD Alliance International study, only 63 percent of those at risk and 56 percent of those at high risk for AMD have their eyes checked annually. Routine exams can help identify AMD and other eye problems in their early stages, when many diseases are more easily treatable.
2. Understand the risk factors for AMD
By knowing the risk factors, you can take steps to reduce the chance of getting AMD. Age is the greatest risk factor for AMD - if you are 50 or older, you're at risk of developing the disease. Having a family member with AMD can also increase your risk.
While you cannot control your age or genes, there are other risk factors, including smoking, poor diet, obesity, and having high blood pressure, that are controllable.
Quitting smoking reduces your risk for AMD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that people who smoke are between two and five and a half times more likely to develop AMD than people who do not smoke.
Studies also suggest that AMD is linked to diets high in saturated fat. Reducing saturated fat consumption and eating more fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables - all foods that are rich in vitamins C and E, selenium and carotenoids - may delay the onset or reduce the severity of AMD. Fish rich in omega-3 fats, like salmon, tuna or mackerel, may also slow the progress of AMD when eaten two to three times a week, according to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
3. Ask questions and know your treatment options
If you have been diagnosed with AMD, your ability to ask the right questions and receive accurate information is crucial. Review "Questions to Ask Your Eye Care Professional" at www.amdalliance.org to help guide the conversation at your next eye exam. Be sure you know your exact diagnosis and all available treatment options.
Specially formulated vitamins can reduce the risk of advanced AMD for some patients. Effective, clinically approved treatments are also available for the most severe form of AMD, which may reverse some vision loss. Make sure you ask your doctor about your options and understand what treatment you are receiving.
People living with macular disease should be able to fully participate in choosing their treatment and healthcare options. Know your rights and download the Patient Charter.
Also, if you're diagnosed with AMD, a low vision rehabilitation specialist can help you use your remaining sight to its full potential through special techniques and low vision aids.
Age-related macular degeneration and the loss of vision can be prevented and slowed down. By learning about the disease and making healthy lifestyle choices, many Americans will be able to enjoy healthy vision well into their golden years.
Aging gracefully can require you to accept certain changes in your body, from gray or thinning hair to skin that's less firm than it was in your youth. But loss of vision shouldn't be on your short list of changes that are an inevitable part of growing older.
If you're older than 50, you should know about your eye health and what you can do to prevent or slow vision loss. Age-related macular degeneration, commonly known as AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. AMD affects about 10 million people in the U.S., and that number is projected to double by 2020, according to the National Institutes of Health.
"AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage," says Dr. Alan Cruess, Chairman of AMD Alliance International's Scientific Advisory Panel. "We have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year."
AMD is a degenerative disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina (think of it as your eye's internal projection screen) responsible for clear central vision. There are two types of AMD - "dry" and "wet." The dry form affects 85 to 90 percent of people with AMD and causes varying degrees of vision loss, characterized by a collection of deposits in the macula called drusen. Far less common, but much more serious, wet AMD causes severe vision loss, as abnormal blood vessels grow and leak blood and fluid into the eye.
If you take certain measures to keep your eyes healthy, you can prevent AMD or slow its progress. AMD Alliance International suggests taking the following three steps to help prevent and manage AMD.
1. Get regular eye exams
Everyone older than 50 should get regular eye exams. Most people believe they receive eye exams as often as they should. However, according to a recent AMD Alliance International study, only 63 percent of those at risk and 56 percent of those at high risk for AMD have their eyes checked annually. Routine exams can help identify AMD and other eye problems in their early stages, when many diseases are more easily treatable.
2. Understand the risk factors for AMD
By knowing the risk factors, you can take steps to reduce the chance of getting AMD. Age is the greatest risk factor for AMD - if you are 50 or older, you're at risk of developing the disease. Having a family member with AMD can also increase your risk.
While you cannot control your age or genes, there are other risk factors, including smoking, poor diet, obesity, and having high blood pressure, that are controllable.
Quitting smoking reduces your risk for AMD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that people who smoke are between two and five and a half times more likely to develop AMD than people who do not smoke.
Studies also suggest that AMD is linked to diets high in saturated fat. Reducing saturated fat consumption and eating more fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables - all foods that are rich in vitamins C and E, selenium and carotenoids - may delay the onset or reduce the severity of AMD. Fish rich in omega-3 fats, like salmon, tuna or mackerel, may also slow the progress of AMD when eaten two to three times a week, according to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
3. Ask questions and know your treatment options
If you have been diagnosed with AMD, your ability to ask the right questions and receive accurate information is crucial. Review "Questions to Ask Your Eye Care Professional" at www.amdalliance.org to help guide the conversation at your next eye exam. Be sure you know your exact diagnosis and all available treatment options.
Specially formulated vitamins can reduce the risk of advanced AMD for some patients. Effective, clinically approved treatments are also available for the most severe form of AMD, which may reverse some vision loss. Make sure you ask your doctor about your options and understand what treatment you are receiving.
People living with macular disease should be able to fully participate in choosing their treatment and healthcare options. Know your rights and download the Patient Charter.
Also, if you're diagnosed with AMD, a low vision rehabilitation specialist can help you use your remaining sight to its full potential through special techniques and low vision aids.
Age-related macular degeneration and the loss of vision can be prevented and slowed down. By learning about the disease and making healthy lifestyle choices, many Americans will be able to enjoy healthy vision well into their golden years.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
CNIB offers sight issue support
By Sharen Marteny - Kelowna Capital News
Published: August 27, 2010
The CNIB (formerly known as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind) is one of the most under-used resources available to seniors.
In addition to making accessible various products for partially sighted seniors, it provides programs that are free of charge to assist seniors to keep their independence.
Vision impairment often contributes to injuries and may lead to mortality in older people.
Timely intervention can delay the effects of age-related blinding conditions.
In Canada there are 800,000 people who self-identify as being blind or partially sighted.
Yet only 100,000 clients are registered with CNIB. Of those, 17,500 live in British Columbia.
More than 50 per cent of the CNIB clients are 65 years old and over.
It is estimated that in the next 20 years there will be 1.6 million blind or partially sighted people in Canada with the largest percentage being over the age of 80 years, yet Canada is the only G8 country that does not have a vision health plan in place.
Seniors are most prone to four eye diseases—age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. AMD and glaucoma can begin without any symptoms and most seniors do not know they have it.
Cataracts can be removed and vision restored.
To help prevent eye diseases seniors should wear sunglasses with 98 per cent UV protection during both the summer and winter. Eye exams should be done on a yearly basis.
Being blind or partially sighted can lead to depression and isolation.
Seniors who are blind or partially sighted believe that they can no longer participate in life.
The CNIB can show them that this is not true and that enjoyment can be added to their lives.
It offers four key services—orientation and mobility, independent living skills and counselling and vision assessment. All of these services are free of charge.
An instructor will work with each senior individually to ensure the techniques used are what is required.
The orientation and mobility program teaches seniors how to move about the community on their own.
One of the techniques taught to accomplish this is caning.
Through the independent living skills, seniors will be taught how to accomplish the tasks required for daily living which includes getting dressed and cooking meals.
Counselling is offered on a one-to-one and group basis for the seniors and the families to give everyone the opportunity to address their fears, worries and frustrations.
The adjustment to vision loss course is available to support seniors who are in the process of losing their sight.
Vision assessment allows seniors to maximize their capabilities with their current level of vision such as adjusting the placement of a lamp to make reading easier.
Earlier this month, the CNIB held its inaugural Walter Gretzky CNIB Golf Classic in Kelowna to raise funds to be able to continue to provide its services.
The fifth annual Walter Gretzky CNIB Golf Classic was held in Victoria.
The organization’s main purpose is to promote independence.
For more information call 1-800-563-2642.
An assessment will be scheduled through your nearest CNIB office and the programs that you require will be planned.
Published: August 27, 2010
The CNIB (formerly known as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind) is one of the most under-used resources available to seniors.
In addition to making accessible various products for partially sighted seniors, it provides programs that are free of charge to assist seniors to keep their independence.
Vision impairment often contributes to injuries and may lead to mortality in older people.
Timely intervention can delay the effects of age-related blinding conditions.
In Canada there are 800,000 people who self-identify as being blind or partially sighted.
Yet only 100,000 clients are registered with CNIB. Of those, 17,500 live in British Columbia.
More than 50 per cent of the CNIB clients are 65 years old and over.
It is estimated that in the next 20 years there will be 1.6 million blind or partially sighted people in Canada with the largest percentage being over the age of 80 years, yet Canada is the only G8 country that does not have a vision health plan in place.
Seniors are most prone to four eye diseases—age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. AMD and glaucoma can begin without any symptoms and most seniors do not know they have it.
Cataracts can be removed and vision restored.
To help prevent eye diseases seniors should wear sunglasses with 98 per cent UV protection during both the summer and winter. Eye exams should be done on a yearly basis.
Being blind or partially sighted can lead to depression and isolation.
Seniors who are blind or partially sighted believe that they can no longer participate in life.
The CNIB can show them that this is not true and that enjoyment can be added to their lives.
It offers four key services—orientation and mobility, independent living skills and counselling and vision assessment. All of these services are free of charge.
An instructor will work with each senior individually to ensure the techniques used are what is required.
The orientation and mobility program teaches seniors how to move about the community on their own.
One of the techniques taught to accomplish this is caning.
Through the independent living skills, seniors will be taught how to accomplish the tasks required for daily living which includes getting dressed and cooking meals.
Counselling is offered on a one-to-one and group basis for the seniors and the families to give everyone the opportunity to address their fears, worries and frustrations.
The adjustment to vision loss course is available to support seniors who are in the process of losing their sight.
Vision assessment allows seniors to maximize their capabilities with their current level of vision such as adjusting the placement of a lamp to make reading easier.
Earlier this month, the CNIB held its inaugural Walter Gretzky CNIB Golf Classic in Kelowna to raise funds to be able to continue to provide its services.
The fifth annual Walter Gretzky CNIB Golf Classic was held in Victoria.
The organization’s main purpose is to promote independence.
For more information call 1-800-563-2642.
An assessment will be scheduled through your nearest CNIB office and the programs that you require will be planned.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Taligen gets $10m cash injection for rare disease programs
| By John Carroll
Taligen Therapeutics has hit another milestone on its journey in search of new therapies for a broad array of inflammatory and immune diseases. The Cambridge, MA-based developer has snagged a $10 million tranche in its $65 million Series B, earmarking much of the money for early clinical stage development work for its lead candidate - TT30.
Taligen set out to prove its drug platform could regulate the "complement system," a pathway in the human immune system. And it has initially zeroed in on rare diseases like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, CEO Abbie Celniker tells FierceBiotech, in part because a small biotech acting alone can mount the kind of tightly-focused clinical trials that can generate significant proof of concept data.
Taligen's strategy, she adds, is to strike partnership deals for ophthalmology-related conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and later, after it achieves the proof of concept stage, plan on collaborative programs for major market diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. The CEO says she hopes to announce the developer's first partnership in the next six months.
"This round of funding demonstrates the significant progress we have made over the last several years related to the development of our proprietary tissue targeting platform technology and our lead drug candidate, TT30," said Celniker. Existing investors including Clarus Ventures, Alta Partners, Sanderling Ventures and High Country Venture proffered the new injection of cash. Taligen was founded in 2004 and has a staff of 17 fulltime equivalents. Celniker says the staff will likely top out at about 20.
Taligen Therapeutics has hit another milestone on its journey in search of new therapies for a broad array of inflammatory and immune diseases. The Cambridge, MA-based developer has snagged a $10 million tranche in its $65 million Series B, earmarking much of the money for early clinical stage development work for its lead candidate - TT30.
Taligen set out to prove its drug platform could regulate the "complement system," a pathway in the human immune system. And it has initially zeroed in on rare diseases like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, CEO Abbie Celniker tells FierceBiotech, in part because a small biotech acting alone can mount the kind of tightly-focused clinical trials that can generate significant proof of concept data.
Taligen's strategy, she adds, is to strike partnership deals for ophthalmology-related conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and later, after it achieves the proof of concept stage, plan on collaborative programs for major market diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. The CEO says she hopes to announce the developer's first partnership in the next six months.
"This round of funding demonstrates the significant progress we have made over the last several years related to the development of our proprietary tissue targeting platform technology and our lead drug candidate, TT30," said Celniker. Existing investors including Clarus Ventures, Alta Partners, Sanderling Ventures and High Country Venture proffered the new injection of cash. Taligen was founded in 2004 and has a staff of 17 fulltime equivalents. Celniker says the staff will likely top out at about 20.
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