Research and Medication Updates

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet):

A study at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, under the sponsorship of Eyetech Pharmaceutical, is the first to investigate the use of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent for the treatment of “wet” macular degeneration.

This agent is placed in the center of the eye to block the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels before scar tissue develops. The process takes less than five minute and is done under a local anesthetic. The procedure must be repeated every six weeks during the first year. “The potential for this treatment is vast,” said Dr. William Mieler, principal investigator of the study (Source: Anissa Anderson Orr, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Medical Center News, Mar. 1, 2002).

Glaucoma (Genetics):

Research shows that a gene mutation that codes for a protein called optineurin can cause optic nerve damage. This discovery could lead to better methods of early detection and treatment.

The initial study, conducted by Mansoor Sarfarazi, Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Connecticut Health Center and leader of the research team, included members of 54 families with a history of inherited glaucoma. Eighteen percent of the participants had the mutated gene and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). A larger study is planned of more than 1,000 patients with all forms of glaucoma (Sources: HealthScoutNews, Ed Edelson, Reporter, Feb. 7, 2002; Science, Feb. 8, 2002).

Glaucoma (Medications):

A recent study shows that Xalatan® (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) — marketed by Pharmacia — maintained its intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects when administered once daily in the morning to patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, who also take indomethacin, a commonly prescribed oral nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug for arthritis.

Study results also showed that Xalatan® provided greater IOP reduction versus the twice daily Alphagan® (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) in patients before and after indomethacin treatment.

Xalatan® is indicated for the reduction of elevated IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension who are intolerant of other IOP-lowering medications or insufficiently responsive to another IOP-lowering medication.

Xalatan has also been reported to cause increased color changes of the iris and eyelids, as well as color changes and growth of eyelashes, which all may be permanent. (Sources: Pharamacia News Release, Jan. 16, 2002; American Journal of Ophthalmology, January 2002).

Farsightedness (Low to Moderate):

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved conductive keratoplasty (CK) as a safe and effective procedure for correcting low to moderate farsightedness (hyperopia) for people over age 40. The Refractec Viewpoint™ CK System is manufactured by Refractec Inc., in Irvine, Calif.

This technique uses a low-energy, high-frequency radio current applied directly to the periphery of the cornea with a tiny probe in a circular pattern, causing constriction which increases the curvature of the eye.

“CK meets the needs of the risk-adverse patient population, those who’ve been waiting for a safe, less-invasive treatment for farsightedness,” said Robert Maloney, M.D., principal FDA clinical investigator. “As the first approved alternative to a laser for treating hyperopia, it’s a very effective procedure and most of all, the patients love it. It’s quick. There’s very little post-op discomfort and immediate return of vision.”

Forty–three ophthalmologists around the country have already signed up to purchase the CK machines — two are located in Illinois. More will likely follow (Sources: AAO News Release, Apr. 5, 2002; Refractec Inc. Press Release, Apr. 16, 2002; Ophthalmology, April 2002).

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