Poor Avastin responders in AMD & DME may have increased risk to obstructive sleep apnea

from Wikipedia

Poor responders to Bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) may have increased risk to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To read more, click here.

Nanotechnology breakthrough will lead to a better bionic eye for the blind

(c) American Chemical Society

 
Scientists from Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers, in collaboration with colleagues from Tel Aviv University and Newcastle University, have developed a new light-sensitive film that could one day form the basis of a bionic eye (or an artificial retina) that could help people suffering from retinal damage or degeneration.

Eye drops for treatment of macular edema in Retinitis Pigmentosa and Usher's syndrome

A study published in Ophthalmologica by researchers from the Hospital de São João, Porto in Portugal has looked at the effect of dorzolamide versus ketorolac eye drops on macular edema in patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Usher's syndrome (US).

New therapy holds promise for restoring vision in Retinitis Pigmentosa and Leber Congenital Amaurosis

Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, along with those of University of Pennsylvania, have demonstrated restoration of visual function in animal models that can help restore sight in blind patients afflicted by diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA).

Human stem cell-derived retinal cells show promise as treatment for macular diseases

Note: The post below is  from the study (pdf) published in The Lancet.

Since 1981, when pluripotential cell cultures were first derived by Evans and Kauffman, embryonic stem cells (ESC) have been regarded as a potential source of therapeutic cells for a wide range of diseases caused by tissue loss or dysfunction. Despite the great therapeutic potential, their plasticity and unlimited capacity for self-renewal raise concerns about serious safety issues, including the ability to form teratomas and other tumours, potential immune reactions, and the risk of differentiating into unwanted cell types. 

Sildenafil (Viagra) may not be safe in Retinitis Pigmentosa

Sildenafil (Viagra) is a PDE5 inhibitor in wide use for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is known to increase the level of cGMP, and ultimately increases penile response to sexual stimulation. Sildenafil preferentially inhibits PDE5 more than PDE6, both of which are expressed in the retina. Therefore, there is a potential for this drug to alter retinal function, not only in normal subjects, but also in patients with PDE6 gene mutations such as in some forms of RP. 

Stem cells close to cornea may help treat Macular Degeneration or Retinitis Pigmentosa

Scientists at the Southampton General Hospital and the University of Southampton have found a pool of stem cells around the corneal limbus that can be induced to become retinal cells. Such cells can then potentially be transplanted into the eye of the patient of macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa to stop the disease or even cure it.