Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that leads to central vision loss. It affects the macula, the part of our retina that allows us to read, drive and see fine details. There are two forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet – with wet being caused by abnormal new blood vessel leakage.

There are various new treatments for age-related macular degeneration, including anti-angiogenesis drugs and laser treatment.

Stem cell patch

Stem cell patch has been implanted for the first time into a human, representing an exciting advance in macular degeneration treatment. A collaborative effort by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and two private companies developed this patch containing patient mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Researchers hope that by using their own cells instead, this patch may reduce inflammation while improving eye function lost due to wet age-related macular degeneration; they hope to conduct further clinical trials using it soon.

MSCs (Multipotent Stem Cells) are a type of stem cell that produces proteins necessary for creating new cells and repairing damaged ones, as well as protecting retina from further damage. Researchers have developed a special tool to administer MSCs into eyes suffering from wet AMD, in which blood vessels that support retinal blood flow leak fluid into macula area resulting in decreased vision restoration.

Studies show that this patch can reverse wet macular degeneration and prevent further vision loss in people living with this condition. Although too soon to tell whether or not it works in humans, research suggests it has great promise.

However, this treatment comes with risks. The FDA has issued a warning about this therapy; therefore it’s important to seek advice from your physician prior to beginning this course of treatment and ensure you get it from an FDA-approved center.

An alternative approach for treating wet macular degeneration includes taking antioxidants and other supplements. Furthermore, it’s advisable to follow a healthy diet and quit smoking; additionally, regular monitoring is crucial.

Recent research produced an elastic nanofibrous patch containing mesenchymal stem cells by electrospinning. Once created, researchers deposited the MSCs encased within this elastic patch on an epicardium of an MI model of Sprague-Dawley rats where they restrained remodeling processes and improved cardiac function.

LifeWave light therapy can activate stem cells within the body to repair damaged tissues while increasing collagen production and decreasing inflammation, providing relief that can make patients feel younger than ever before. The treatment can make patients look years younger while improving overall wellbeing.

Anti-angiogenesis drugs

Angiogenesis inhibitors are a class of cancer drugs that work by stopping tumors from producing new blood vessels. This makes them different than traditional chemotherapy agents which work by killing rapidly dividing cells; however, angiogenesis inhibitors don’t target normal cells so are less likely to cause side effects like mouth sores and diarrhea than others do.

These drugs have the ability to treat various cancers and conditions, including diabetic macular edema (DME) and noninfectious posterior segment uveitis. Phase 3 trials are currently ongoing for use against wet AMD; additional delivery systems have also been devised in order to increase tolerability; such as intravitreal injections with depots that release medication over time or local sustained delivery implants.

Antiangiogenesis drugs may contribute to tumor growth and spread by cutting off its blood supply to tumors; by cutting off their ability to find their own blood supply, tumors have the ability to survive and spread. By cutting off its lifeline, antiangiogenesis medicines may starve cancer out and kill it altogether; often used in combination with other forms of treatment like radiation and chemotherapy therapy.

As well as angiogenesis inhibitors, researchers are also developing other anti-angiogenic drugs to address angiogenesis such as antibodies that target the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It’s anticipated that these newer anti-angiogenic medications will be more effective than existing ones in treating advanced neovascular AMD; additionally they could be effective against wet macular degeneration and other eye conditions as well.

There are hundreds of anti-angiogenic drugs undergoing clinical trials currently. Early-phase trials are designated with letters and numbers while later phase trials will use names as the descriptor. If you’re curious about enrolling in one that uses an angiogenesis drug, speak to your physician regarding its risks and benefits – ultimately these trials aim to maximize visual results while increasing adherence.

Vitamins

Vitamins are vital organic compounds that support essential metabolic reactions in the body. While not directly providing energy, vitamins play an integral part in producing and processing other nutrients and organelles as well as contributing to hormone formation as well as chemical structures of cell membranes, proteins, and genetic material of cells.

Vitamins can be divided into two groups – fat-soluble or water-soluble – and are essential to human health. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E and K that can easily be stored by our bodies, while water-soluble ones like B complex and Vitamin C cannot. They must therefore be consumed on an ongoing basis in order to remain effective.

Vitamins may help treat wet macular degeneration, in which fluid leaks through abnormal new blood vessels to disrupt central vision. This condition often leads to blurring and distortion; though less common than dry macular degeneration – which involves gradual loss. Vitamins can be taken either orally or intravenously; typically in combination with other medications to treat symptoms of macular degeneration.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment is a noninvasive treatment option that works to stimulate your body’s natural healing mechanisms and can reduce inflammation, swelling, spasms, stiffness and pain. Furthermore, it speeds up recovery by increasing blood and lymph circulation thereby speeding healing times more quickly – an added bonus being its effectiveness against scars.

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that causes gradual central vision loss. There are two forms: dry and wet. Dry AMD results from deposits accumulating in the macula; while abnormal new blood vessels form beneath the retina forming abnormal new vessels that lead to fluid leakage and bleeding resulting in distortion and blurring of central vision. Unfortunately, current treatment options for wet AMD are extremely limited.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitors have emerged as promising treatments for wet macular degeneration, slowing progression and decreasing risk. Yet despite being highly effective in clinical trials, these drugs do not always work in practice and may even prove unpopular with patients due to being expensive; both factors reducing patient adherence which ultimately may result in subpar visual outcomes.

New research suggests that topical formulations of VEGF inhibitors could improve patient compliance and lower healthcare costs. The researchers tested ranibizumab and bevacizumab solutions as topicals; their animal model demonstrated their efficacy compared with intravitreal injections; now researchers are conducting trials with humans to see whether or not this solution works just as effectively.

Laser skin resurfacing is a noninvasive treatment option to restore smooth, even, and glowing skin. It can be used to address scars and wrinkles while simultaneously improving tone and pigmentation issues. Furthermore, it stimulates collagen production for improved skin health.

Studies have demonstrated that topical anti-VEGF therapy may be just as effective in relieving diabetic macular retinopathy edema as injectable forms. This finding is significant as many wet macular degeneration patients do not benefit from current anti-VEGF regimens; furthermore, their cost may make treatment prohibitive for many.