“Wet” Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR):

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina. The macula is responsible for central vision and the ability to see detail. There are two forms of AMD — “Dry” and “Wet.” In both forms the disease leaves peripheral vision. In the “Wet” form, abnormal blood vessels develop rapidly under the retina and leak blood or fluid that damage the macula causing severe and sometimes sudden vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes. DR occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina — a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As the disease progresses, fragile new blood vessels grow along the retina and in the clear, gel-like vitreous that fills the inside of the eye. Without treatment, these new blood vessels can bleed, cloud vision and destroy the retina.

Clinical research studies are continuing to be conducted to halt vision losses and/or reverse some of the symptoms of AMD and DR.

The ISPB is excited to report that some new, experimental drugs hold promise for people with the diseases. These drugs target leaky blood vessels behind the eye.

Experts caution that these new drugs are only being used in clinical study settings at this time. It may be a year or two before conclusive results are announced.

Five pharmaceutical companies who are testing similar-type drugs are mentioned in an Associated Press release. They include:

Genentech
(rhuFab)
injected into the eyeball which targets growth-promoting hormone, vascular epidermal growth factor (VEGF).

Alcon
(anecortave acetate)
a steroid injected next to the eyeball, which stops blood vessels from hollowing out channels to grow.

Bausch & Lomb
(Retisert™ implant)
rice-sized implant, which is a time released steroid that in- hibits VEGF and stops vessels from leaking.

Eyetech
(EYE001)
injected into the eyeball, which blocks the spot where VEGF gets into cells.

Lilly
(LY333531)
a pill, which stops the chemical chain reaction that occurs after cells take in VEGF.

These drugs are not intended for people with “Dry” macular degeneration or for people who have been without central vision for a period of time (Sources: National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health; Research to Prevent Blindness; Associated Press, July 2, 2002).

The Visionary, published as a service of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness,
is available upon request. The information contained in this issue,
taken from sources considered to be accurate,
does not replace the need for professional eye care consultations and treatments.

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