Mayo Clinic’s ophthalmology department was one of the major participating centers in the recently announced federal study on macular degeneration treatments. Avastin and Lucentis, both made by Genentech were tested and found to be equally effective in halting eye damage that leads to blindness. Avastin, the “off label” drug, costs roughly 50 dollars per treatment. Lucentis, the only FDA approved treatment for preventing blindness from macular degeneration, costs $2,000.
Sophie Bakri, M.D., the ophthalmologist who coordinated the trial at Mayo Clinic, says patients essentially will be given the choice of either drug, however, individuals might see slight benefits from one or the other medication.
I HAVE WET MACULAR, I CAN NOT READ PRINT WITH OUT 1000 POWER GLASS,IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE OR STABILIZE MY CONDITITION. I SAW ON TV WERE A CAMARA WAS PUT INTO AN EYE WHICH IMPROVED SIGHT.
Thank you for your comment. We are looking into an answer.
Absolutely there are things that can be done. You would benefit from a low vision consultation appointment to discuss the various options currently available, and in clinical trials.
I am a 64 year old women with no signs of dry macular degeneration at this time. My mother and maternal grandmother both wet legally blind. Recently, an older brother and sister were both diagnosed with it. Their ages are 70 and 72. What can I do to help prevent this from happened to me, if, is indeed hereditary?
Thank you,
Melanie
Is it considered hereditary?
We’re checking for you.