We’ve previously discussed studies on ADD and given tips on how to test vision at home and are excited to tell you about an amazing new study on how better predicting vision loss can lead to better treatments.
A newly published study in JAMA Ophthalmology found that few patients who completed the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment Trials experienced sustained visual acuity (VA) loss of 15 letters or more. When found, this loss progressed at a slow pace during the two-year period in which the trials were conducted.
Researchers from the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine followed the development of 1,030 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either ranibizumab or bevacizumab as treatments for their vision. They found that both medications were equally effective in treating vision loss but were most effective when applied for a continued period throughout the trial, rather than on an as needed basis. The numbers for the VA loss were:
• 4.2% in those who had regular treatments for 2 years
• 5.8% for those who treated as needed in the 2 years
• 7.9% for those with treatment switched after a year from monthly to as needed
But the best part of the study was the finding that using treatments that focus on the prevention of foveal scarring and geographic atrophy could help prevent VA loss.
So which treatment is right for you? It’s best to discuss with your own eye doctor in order to get more information on items like cost, safety, and efficacy.
To read more on the study, click here.
And if you live in the area and need a Houston eye doctor or would like to learn more about our neurosensory center, feel free to contact us.