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Research UpdatesThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved Utah-based Laser Corp. to market its Dodick Laser PhotoLysis System in the United States for removal of cataracts. According to the company the advantages of this laser system include the nonexposure of laser light to the eye, minimal thermal damage, smaller incision than the size used in ultrasound procedures and the ability to remove the lens within 1 to 2 minutes (Source: Reuters Health, New York, July 5, 2000) . RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA (RP) In June 2000, as part of a FDA-approved study, the first artificial silicon retina chip was implanted in the eyes of three blind patients who had lost almost all their vision from retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The chip was developed by Dr. Alan Chow and his brother Vincent through their Wheaton-based Optobionics Corporation. The microsurgery was performed at Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield and University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center by the surgical team of Drs. Alan Chow; Gholam Peyman, Tulane University Medical Center (New Orleans); and Jose Pulido at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center and Central DuPage Hospital. The chip is meant to replace damaged photoreceptors (“light-sensing” cells) of the eye. It is the only retinal treatment developed so far that uses available light received by the eye and does not rely upon energy supplied by external batteries and wires. Through this study it is hoped that the chip can be safely implanted, tolerated; and, in turn, will stimulate the retina. If so, it may open up new chances for restoring some sight in patients with RP as well as to possibly benefit other retinal disorders, such as ARMD and choroideremia. As of August 8, 2000, in-depth examinations of the three patients have shown no signs of infection, implant rejection, retinal detachment or other complications (Sources: www.optobionics.com and Jon Van, Staff Writer, Chicago Tribune, June 30, 2000). See Research Projects,for associated research and study of the artificial silicon retina chip by Jay I. Perlman, M.D. and James D. Stittsworth, Jr., Ph.D., being funded by ISPB.
AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (ARMD) The National Eye Institute (NEI) is sponsoring two clinical trials on ARMD — Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial (CAPT) and the Sub-Macular Surgery Trials (SST). The two clinical trial sites in Illinois are the Illinois Retina Associates, SC in Harvey and Northwestern University in Chicago. In the CAPT study, the treatment includes a low-intensity laser beamed into the eye to try to destroy the drusen — tiny yellow deposits in the retina — before the blood vessels form, thus preventing complications and loss of vision. The SST clinical trials are for people who have already developed exudative “wet” ARMD. These trials are evaluating whether or not surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with “wet“ ARMD, the ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) or idiopathic CNV will stabilize or improve vision. For more information for CAPT and SST studies at the two locations, call Carrie at Illinois Retina Associates at (708) 915-6943 and Northwestern University (312) 695-2567, Research Assistant (Sources: Illinois Retina Associates, SC, National Eye Institute, Northwestern University). CONJUNCTIVITIS (“Pink Eye”) “Pink Eye” can be caused by viruses, glaucoma, uveitis or bacteria. Bacteria conjunctivitis can be characterized by redness of the eye, mucous discharge, tearing, irritation and light sensitivity. At present there are two antibiotics commonly being used in the treatment of bacteria conjunctivitis — Ocuflox and Ciloxin. Recently, the FDA has approved a new antibiotic, Quixin. Quixin contains 0.5% levoflaxacin (a potent, broad spectrum antibiotic). It targets the microorganisms, including Staphylococcus auereus, Stretococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenze. Quixin will be made available in the United States in late 2000 (Source: Reuters Health, New York, Aug. 21, 2000).
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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