A major clinical trial has revealed remarkable results for a new electronic eye implant that could potentially transform treatment for people living with a form of advanced dry AMD.
Led by the National Institute for Health and Care Research facility at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the study found that 84% of participants in the clinical trial were able to read letters, numbers and words using prosthetic vision through an eye that had previously lost its sight. All participants had geographic atrophy caused by dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — a currently untreatable, progressive eye condition.
On average, participants were able to read five lines on a standard vision chart after receiving the implant — a significant improvement for many who could not see the chart at all before surgery.
The results mark a pivotal step towards restoring functional sight for people with late-stage dry AMD and offer new hope for those affected by severe vision loss.
Dry age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting over 600,000 people in the UK. It affects the macula, that’s the part of the eye that gives you sharp, detailed central vision, so people often notice blurring when reading or recognising faces, but their side vision usually stays clear. However, most people with AMD can see well enough to get around. An estimated quarter of a million older adults in the UK have severe visual impairment or blindness due to advanced AMD.
This device is part of a clinical trial and is not yet available in NHS or private clinics. However, it’s an exciting breakthrough that gives real hope for the future as the science is moving from slowing down sight loss to potentially restoring vision.
As these implants are not yet available to patients, the best course of action is to continue attending your regular appointments with your optometrist, and eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid smoking.
Dry AMD mainly affects older adults, and roughly one in ten people over 65 have some degree of AMD.
The biggest risk factors are age and smoking, but diet and lifestyle play a part too. The best action you can take to mitigate your risk of developing dry AMD is to:
Most people should have their eyes examined at least every two years, depending on their clinical circumstances. However, you should:
