Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in individuals over the age of 60. There are two forms of macular degeneration – dry and wet.
While there have been treatments for wet macular degeneration, dry macular degeneration has remained untreatable until recently.
What is Dry Macular Degeneration?
Dry macular degeneration is a condition where the macula – the central part of the retina that is responsible for central vision – deteriorates over time. It typically progresses slowly and is often a result of aging.
Current Treatment Options for Dry Macular Degeneration
Currently, there is no FDA-approved treatment for dry macular degeneration. However, there are several things that can be done to slow its progression. These include smoking cessation, a healthy diet, exercise, and taking vitamins and supplements.
In some cases, the use of low-vision aids or visual rehabilitation therapy may also be helpful.
The Revolutionary New Method
Recent advancements in medicine have led to the development of a new method for treating dry macular degeneration. The method involves the use of a combination of stem cells and gene therapy to stimulate the growth of new cells in the macula.
How does the Method Work?
The method involves the use of a type of stem cells called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These stem cells are created by reprogramming adult skin cells using a specific combination of genes.
Once reprogrammed, the iPSCs can be coaxed into becoming any cell type in the body, including cells that make up the retina.
The iPSCs are combined with a special cocktail of growth factors and then injected into the retina. Once there, they begin to grow and differentiate into new retinal cells.
The therapy also includes the use of a viral vector that delivers a healthy copy of the gene that is responsible for the degeneration of the retinal cells.
The Results of the Method
Initial studies on the new method have shown promising results. In a clinical trial involving six patients, all six patients experienced significant improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.
The therapy was well-tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events reported.
The study was conducted in Japan by a team of researchers led by Dr. Masayo Takahashi, who is the head of the Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration at the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology.
The team plans to conduct larger, randomized clinical trials to further investigate the efficacy and safety of the therapy.
Conclusion
The new method for treating dry macular degeneration is a promising development in the field of ophthalmology.
While there are still many unanswered questions, the initial results are encouraging, and the potential for this therapy to restore vision in those with dry macular degeneration is exciting.
