Before we can explain about your condition, it is important to understand how the eye works when it is working properly.

 

For our new patients:

Click here for our medical history questionnaire so we can better assist you on your first visit.

 

  
     
     
 
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Our Doctors are Featured in the Baltimore Sun

Our doctors were featured in a special section of
the Baltimore Sun on February 4, 2007 describing the newest treatments for Age-related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy. Click here for full details.

Please click here for a large text version of Dr. Thompson's interview on Age-related Macular Degeneration.

 Please click here for a large text version of Dr. Sjaarda's interview on Diabetic Retinopathy.

 

Posted July, 2006

Lucentis® (Ranibizumab) approved for the treatment of "wet" macular degeneration

A new drug, Lucentis®, was approved for the treatment of the "wet" form of macular degeneration on June 30, 2006. Drs. Sjaarda and Thompson are very experienced in the use of Lucentis® as they have participated in clinical studies of this drug for the past 4 years leading to FDA approval. Lucentis® is injected into the vitreous humor of the eye at approximately monthly intervals and has a greater probability of improving vision compared to prior therapies. The drug works best in patients who have recently developed new blood vessels from macular degeneration. Drs. Sjaarda and Thompson have extensive experience in the use of other pharmacologic treatments for macular degeneration including Visudyne® and Macugen® and Avastin®. They can help determine which therapy will be most appropriate for an individual.

Since our beginning, we have been on the cutting edge of advances in treating some very common eye conditions. We have been involved in clinical trials that have led to approval of three major treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration, and we are now enrolling or will soon begin to enroll patients in four more studies.

Below is a list of all the studies which Retina Specialists are participating or have participated at Retina Specialists.  Please call our office at 410-296-9748 for more information.

Current Studies:

Age-related Macular Degeneration (wet) 

LEVEL Study/OSI – EyeTech Phase IV – Enrolling
CLEAR-IT Study/Regeneron  Phase III – Upcoming
COBALT Study/OPKO  Phase III – Upcoming

 

Diabetic Retinopathy

RISE Study/Genentech, Inc.  

Phase III – Upcoming

 

Previous Studies:

Age-related Macular Degeneration (wet)

HORIZON Study/Genentech, Inc. Open Label – Follow-up
SAILOR Study/Genentech, Inc. Phase IIIb – Follow-up
ACUITY Pharmaceuticals Phase I  – Follow-up
ACUITY Pharmaceuticals Phase II – Follow-up
GENAERA 208 & 209  Phase II – Closed
GENAERA 301  Phase III – Closed
MARINA Study/Genentech, Inc.   Phase III – Closed
ANCHOR Study/Genentech, Inc  Phase III – Closed
VIO Study/Novartis Phase III – Closed
VIO-OLS Study/Novartis Open Label – Closed
Visudyne Study/CIBA Pharmaceuticals Closed

 

Diabetic Retinopathy

PKC Study (MBDV)Extension/Eli Lilly Open Label – Follow-up
PKC Study (MBCM)/Eli Lilly Phase III – Closed
RACE Study/Acuity Pharmaceuticals Phase II – Follow-up
DRCR Study/Laser for Diabetic Macular Edema  Closed

 

Retinal Vein Occlusions

Posurdex Study/Allergan Phase III – Closed
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion Pilot Study – Closed

 

Nonclearing Vitreous Hemorrhage

Hyaluronidase/Advanced Corneal Systems, Inc. Phase III – Closed
Hyaluronidase/Advanced Corneal Systems, Inc. Phase II – Closed

Click on this link for more information, and please contact our office at 410-296-9748 if you are interested in learning more about the latest clinical studies.