StemCell Therapy

Written by Lois Alcosser Saturday, 26 May 2012 07:00

Though macular degeneration is rarely discussed as a health topic, it is a fearful possibility, especially as people age. That could account for the standing-room-only audience when Dr. Jeffrey Oberman, chief of opthalmology at Norwalk Hospital, spoke recently at the Greens at Cannondale. He explained in detail the causes, symptoms and latest advances in the treatment of macular degeneration.

The macula, he explained, is at the back wall of the eye. It is only 1% of the eyes physiology, but responsible for 90% of vision problems, and is the most common cause of visual loss in the developed world.

Painless and progressive, there are two forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The most frequent, the dry form, occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, blurring the central vision of the affected eye. Reading becomes difficult, so does recognizing faces. In the more severe, wet form, abnormal blood vessels form and leak into the macula area of the eye. Straight lines appear wavy, and there is a blind spot in the center of the eye.

Before there are any symptoms or vision loss, yellowish spots, called drusen, can be detected with a comprehensive eye exam, which is why it is so important to have regular eye examinations. The dry form can turn into the wet form, which is much more likely to affect vision, and is much more difficult to treat.

Risk factors for macular degeneration include age, smoking, obesity, family history and lifestyle. Dry degeneration can be treated with antioxidants, which are only helpful in the intermediate stage. A formulation called AREDS, consisting of Vitamins A, C, E, zinc and copper, is recommended. Something as simple as wearing sunglasses is helpful, to block out ultraviolet light.

The wet form of macular degeneration has been treated with lasers, photodynamic therapy and injections, but none is a cure. Injections, however, can potentially improve vision and stabilize the condition. Though these injections are into the eye, they are relatively painless. They are usually done monthly or bimonthly. Lucentis has stabilized degeneration 95% and improved acuity 34%. The problem is, it costs around $2,000 per injection. A much less expensive injection, Avastin, ($75 per dose) can slow the rate of progression and may cause some improvement.

There are many studies underway to find better, more affordable ways to improve treatment. The use of stem cells to create a healthy macula has proven successful in mice. But considering the fact there are 1.4 million fibers from the eye to the brain to create sight, this is clearly a complex and daunting challenge.

Dr. Oberman expressed great hope in further research. Meanwhile, be sure and get your eyes examined regularly.

Follow this link:
Macular degeneration: Causes, symptoms, cures

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