Revolutionary eye drop treatment for Macular Degeneration
Monday 22 May 2017Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a new therapy for age-related macular degeneration which could spell the end of painful injections for sufferers. The news offers new hope for over 600,000 people in the UK who are afflicted with the condition.
The current treatment regime of injections is far from pleasant, and carries with it the risk of tearing of the delicate tissue around the eye and causing infections within the eye. Ironically, this in turn can lead to an increased risk of blindness. The new method delivers the necessary drug to the relevant part of the eye within minutes via a dropper, and laboratory tests have obtained the same outcomes as injections.
Lead scientist biochemist Dr Felicity de Cogan says that “efficacious self-administering drug application by eye drop would lead to a significant reduction in adverse outcomes and health care costs compared with current treatments”.
Sources:
Science Daily:
Revolutionary eye drops to treat age-related blindness.University of Birmingham:
University of Birmingham develops revolutionary eye drops to treat age-related blindness.
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When can we expect this treatment to be available to all current sufferers?
This is wonderful news. I have had many injections but still have AMD. My eye discharges and it stings. I have to visit the hospital again in June to see the nurse-specialist and I will show her a print of your blog. Thank you!
Where can i buy theses drops?
Does this include the dry form too?
This looks amazing. I will keep the info just in case.
IS THERE ANY IDEA WHEN THIS MIGHT ACTUALLY BECOME A STANDARD TREATMENT WITHIN THE NHS? THE INJECTIONS ARE NOT THE WORST THING IN THE WORLD BUT THIS SOUNDS LIKE A MIRACLE IN COMPARISON. (CURRENTLY BEING TREATED AT THE WEST KENT EYE CENTRE, PRINCESS ROYAL HOSPITAL, ORPINGTON.
After many years of injections I think it is marvellous nes
Sounds absolutely groundbreaking! When will this be available by presciption and / or in pharmacies?
I am due to have my 25th injection of Lucentis tomorrow for wet macular with polyps. Would this injection be for that type and when will they be available thanks? Ruth Roberts
When will these be available and will Optometrists be able to administer them?
Will this work for both wet and dry AMG? What is the period required between administering the eye drop?
Sounds good. Is it cheaper than having an 'eylea' injection?