\u201cWe\u2019ve had treatments for \u2018wet\u2019 macular degeneration for 10 years and these drugs have more than halved the blindness rate,\u201d
\nOPSM Waurn Ponds principal optometrist Rowan Prendergast said.
\n\u201cHowever, for the majority of AMD patients, there has been little potential, apart from monitoring their vision loss.
\n\u201cNow we finally have the possibility of treatment options, and we\u2019re keen to assess and refer people who meet the criteria.\u201d
\nDry AMD treatment is injected into the eye treatments vitreous, similar to wet AMD injections.
\nThe trials will compare efficacy of injections every four versus six or eight weeks, and the slow-release form which is injected much less frequently, every three months.
\nThe three trials will be conducted over two years.
\nResearchers will measure the success of the drug by measuring the size, rate of growth and number of atrophic holes in each patient\u2019s macula.
\nPatients eligible for the studies can have available dry AMD in one or both eyes, but people with early disease are not eligible.
\nIf local residents wish to take part, an initial assessment at OPSM Waurn Ponds can determine their eligibility for the studies.
\nThis examination can be bulk-billed apart from one component, which costs $60.
\nFor further information about the clinical trails, email Rowan Prendergast at rowan.prendergast@opsm.com.au.
\nTo book an initial assessment, contact OPSM Waurn Ponds on 5243 9288.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cWe\u2019ve had treatments for \u2018wet\u2019 macular degeneration for 10 years and these drugs have more than halved the blindness rate,\u201d OPSM Waurn Ponds principal optometrist Rowan Prendergast said. \u201cHowever, for the majority of AMD patients, there has been little potential, apart from monitoring their vision loss. \u201cNow we finally have the possibility of treatment options, […]<\/p>\n