The annual worldwide convention of the Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) was held on May 1-5, 2005. More than 9000 doctors and researchers gathered at the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center to attend sessions on latest research and to become acquainted with other professionals in the field.
An enormous amount of work is going on in the field of vision research. Progress reports, panel sessions, and posters were presented on all of the therapies and latest surgical and diagnostic techniques under study. In addition, more than 200 companies and organizations exhibited, including Macular Degeneration Support.
As expected, no new information was presented that we haven't been covering through articles in our library. We were able to confirm that the information we have been following is correct, and that researchers are on a fast track toward finding a cure for retinal dystrophies.
All of the presentations at ARVO shared the same bottom line: scientists are making steady progress toward a cure for retinal disease, and we have a great deal of reason for hope. The many dedicated and caring professionals whom I met during the convention are doing their best to make that hope a reality.
Following is a summary of the activities and presentations which were of particular significance to our organization. Links will open separate windows so you will not lose your place here.
Genentech luncheon (by invitation). In attendance: Foundation Figthting Blindness, Prevent Blindness America, and MD Support. Genentech will keep us advised on new developments regarding their antiangiogenic drug (Lucentis, formerly called RhuFab) for wet MD, which will be out of trials in June.
Private meeting with the staff of Genaera, a pharmaceutical company that is having good results so far with their antiangiogenic drug Evizon (aka squalamine lactate). Again, we were assured of a direct line of communication to keep us advised on developments. For information and updates on all of the antiangiogenic drugs under study, select this link.
Poster session about new research from the University of Chicago on the hazards of blue light. This is the first to show the detrimental effects of blue light on actual human retinas, and the results were highly significant. The information will be added soon to our article, "Artificial Lighting and Low Vision."
Paper presentations by Optobionics and Doheny/Second Sight on progress of electronic retinal chip implantation in humans. This research continues to show promise. For updates, see this article.
Rheopheresis (blood filtration treatment for dry AMD). Trials are ongoing, and treatment is available in Canada, Europe, Germany, and Japan. Trials are also being conducted at the University of Utah, but the FDA has not yet approved the treatment in the U.S. For more, follow this link.
Presentations of papers on therapies and treatments for exudative MD, as follows:
Many other subjects were covered during the week, but these are the most relevant to the general macular degeneration community at this time. Reports about positive progress were also given in the areas of Stargardt’s, cone/rod dystrophy, and other retinal conditions. Related articles in our library will continue to be updated as work progresses.