The newest treatments for wet macular degeneration involve injections of a medication in the eye. We have found that in many patients, these injections may cause a significant, though transient, increase in eye pressure. We are studying the long-term effects of this, and have recently developed ways to make these treatments safer for our patients, particularly those with glaucoma. Our research in this area has recently been published in the June, 2007 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology. (Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology)
Avoiding blood pressure dips helps prevent worsening of glaucoma
Current risk factors for glaucoma include high eye pressure, age, family history, and thin corneas. Through our research, we have discovered a new risk factor for glaucoma: nighttime dips in blood pressure. By having patients wear a blood pressure monitor for a 24-hour period, we have found that patients with worsening glaucoma despite “controlled” eye pressures have significant drops in their blood pressure at night. Decreased blood pressure causes decreased blood flow to the optic nerve, resulting in glaucomatous nerve damage. We work with patients’ medical doctors to diminish this risk so that glaucoma can be prevented or stabilized. (Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology)
New combination treatment can improve vision in patients with certain retinal problems.
Patients who have vision loss secondary to a lack of oxygen to the eye may get an improvement in vision from high tension oxygen treatment, given in association with laser and steroid therapy. This was demonstrated in a patient who had vision loss from radiation treatment for a brain tumor, who regained his vision after combination treatment. (Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology)
Glaucoma medication can be administered differently to decrease eye redness and improve comfort.
We are currently investigating methods to reduce side effects from glaucoma drops, allowing more patients to benefit from these drugs. Patients who have been unable to tolerate the latest, most effective pressure lowering drugs often have had success with this new method that alters the dosing of the drug. (Submitted for presentation)
Eye pressure spikes which occur at night and during sleep are important to control.
Doctors have long known that when a patient’s eye pressure is checked in the office it is just a sampling of the routine fluctuations that everyone has over a 24 hour period. Although eye pressure may appear controlled in the office, by measuring it around the clock, we have found that eye pressure not only increases during sleep, but also increases when patients are lying down versus when they are sitting up. This is a concern for glaucoma patients and suspects. By monitoring patients treated with different medications, we are determining which drugs are better able to treat this problem. (Submitted for presentation)
For more information on our clinicial trials, call Alexandra at 772-223-5945, ext. 3215
Our doctors have witnessed the difference these advances can make for patients, and they strive to apply the knowledge they gain through their research to the needs of our patients every day. Through cutting edge clinical advances and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, we provide our patients with customized treatments to meet their individuals situations. The many research projects currently underway for macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and dry eye disease rapidly impact patients' treatments and outcomes.
The contributions of our doctors to the treatment of Wet Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma have been featured in the leading European Ophthalmology Journal: Euro Times, on the Macular Degeneration website: www.medpagetoday.com, www.mdsupport.org, as well as on the internationally recognized medical research website (Doctor's Guide): www.pslgroup.com where research was ranked as a key contribution of the year. Our Doctors value the continuation of education and embrace opportunities to present their findings to doctors from around the world at the annual meetings of the Associations for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology. Participants in clinical trials generally receive care and treatment at no cost and are usually compensated for their time.
The benefits of research and clinical trials are evident in our every day lives. Our findings make a difference in not only in the field of Ophthalmology, but in the lives of our patients.
