Exciting Advances in Dry Macular Degeneration | Dan Apple, MD

[@gailsfoodandstuff]

i have progressing dry in each eye just got checked the other day. it seemed there is nothing i can do until it bleeds (wet). my dr was in a bit of a hurry so i didnt think of my questions until after the appt. ive had prk and cataract surgery in both eyes, years ago, and wondered if that got the amd started. my mom died at 69 so i dont know if she had it, i dont think she went to an eye dr. my dad is still alive, i asked him if he has it, he said he doesnt know but i suspect he does since his vision was going down hill fairly fast. then one day his whole eye was red but he refused to see the eye dr. so, now he just lays in bed waiting to pass some day. its very sad. anyway, my dr said he is “very worried” that in MY case, that it will turn to wet. so, that sucks. i gather there is no treatment from watching this, until the new meds are done being studied?

[@sairralax8215]

What about microcurrent? I’ve heard there has been some success with/ this therapy in Canada

[@ChristianOphthalmology]

Microcurrent therapy has shown promising results in several areas, particularly in treating conditions like dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and musculoskeletal pain. 1. Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Recent studies on microcurrent therapy, specifically the MacuMira™ system, have indicated significant improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity for individuals with dry AMD. In one study, participants who received microcurrent treatment showed an average gain of 5.4 letters in best-corrected visual acuity, with some participants even gaining 10 to 15 letters. The therapy appears to promote retinal rejuvenation and improve blood flow to the retina, which can enhance nutrient delivery and support eye health. This treatment has been approved by Health Canada and is considered a non-invasive method to slow the progression of dry AMD  . 2. Musculoskeletal Pain and Knee Osteoarthritis: Microcurrent therapy is also being explored as a conservative treatment option for conditions like knee osteoarthritis. Some studies have shown potential benefits in pain reduction and improved joint function, although more research is needed to establish its effectiveness definitively. The therapy’s low-level electrical currents are believed to help stimulate cellular activity, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting healing in affected tissues . While microcurrent therapy is still being studied, it is gaining recognition for its potential in various therapeutic areas, including eye health and pain management. If you’re considering this treatment, it might be best to consult with a healthcare provider to see if it’s appropriate for your specific condition.

[@jeannettewilson8808]

I have been using microcurrent since 2018.

[@dandillard280]

@@jeannettewilson8808 Has it been helpful for you?

[@charugera7654]

How can one contact you for consultation? Thanks

[@ChristianOphthalmology]

Here is Dr. Apple’s office: retina-consultants.com/

[@SmilingDahliaFlower-wz6ld]

So injections also have the side effect of being blind,too right?

[@ChristianOphthalmology]

Intravitreal injections, commonly used for treating conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, do carry some risks, although severe complications are rare. The most significant risk is infectious endophthalmitis, which is an infection inside the eye. The incidence of endophthalmitis following intravitreal injections is generally low, ranging from about 0.019% to 0.09%. Even though the infection rate is low, the consequences can be severe if not promptly treated, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness. The main cause of these infections is usually contamination by bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis or Streptococcus species, often linked to the procedure itself or to poor sterile technique during the injection process. Non-infectious inflammation, also known as pseudoendophthalmitis, can occur with certain medications. This condition tends to resolve on its own or with treatment and typically does not result in permanent vision damage. Other possible complications include vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding in the eye), retinal detachment, and increased intraocular pressure. Overall, while the risk of going blind from these injections is low, it is crucial to monitor for any symptoms like pain, decreased vision, or increased sensitivity to light following the procedure, as early detection and treatment of complications are vital for preserving vision. For more details, you can refer to sources such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists    • Patients - The American Society of Retina Specialists](www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/33/intravitreal-injections).

[@SmilingDahliaFlower-wz6ld]

@@ChristianOphthalmology thanks for the information.

[@JDGrishaber]

So confusing