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Wood EH, Kreymerman A, Kowal T, Buickians D, Sun Y, Muscat S, Mercola M, Moshfeghi DM, Goldberg JL. Cellular and subcellular optogenetic approaches towards neuroprotection and vision restoration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101153. [PMID: 36503723 PMCID: PMC10247900 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics is defined as the combination of genetic and optical methods to induce or inhibit well-defined events in isolated cells, tissues, or animals. While optogenetics within ophthalmology has been primarily applied towards treating inherited retinal disease, there are a myriad of other applications that hold great promise for a variety of eye diseases including cellular regeneration, modulation of mitochondria and metabolism, regulation of intraocular pressure, and pain control. Supported by primary data from the authors' work with in vitro and in vivo applications, we introduce a novel approach to metabolic regulation, Opsins to Restore Cellular ATP (ORCA). We review the fundamental constructs for ophthalmic optogenetics, present current therapeutic approaches and clinical trials, and discuss the future of subcellular and signaling pathway applications for neuroprotection and vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward H Wood
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Kreymerman
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Tia Kowal
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - David Buickians
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie Muscat
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mark Mercola
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Darius M Moshfeghi
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in high-income countries. The majority of cases of AMD are of the non-exudative type. Experts have proposed photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy as a non-invasive procedure to restore mitochondrial function, upregulate cytoprotective factors and prevent apoptotic cell death in retinal tissue affected by AMD. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of PBM compared to standard care, no treatment or sham treatment for people with non-exudative AMD. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (Issue 5, 2020), Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, ISRCTN, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP to 11 May 2020 with no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA The review included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on participants receiving any type of PBM therapy for non-exudative AMD compared to standard care, sham treatment or no treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We considered the following outcome measures at 12 months: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ; contrast sensitivity; near vision; low luminance density score; reading speed; vision-related quality of life score; and adverse events such as progression of AMD and conversion to exudative AMD. We graded the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We included two published RCTs from single centres in the UK and Canada, which recruited 60 participants (60 eyes) and 30 participants (46 eyes) respectively. Participants in these trials were people with non-exudative AMD with Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) categories 2 to 4. One study compared single wavelength PBM with no treatment. This study was at risk of performance bias because the study was not masked, and there was attrition bias. One study compared multi-wavelength PBM with sham treatment and conflicts of interest were reported by study investigators. We also identified three eligible ongoing RCTs from searching the clinical trials database. When comparing PBM with sham treatment or no treatment for non-exudative AMD, there was no evidence of any meaningful clinical difference in BCVA at 12 months (mean difference (MD) 0.02 logMAR, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.02 to 0.05; 2 RCTs, 90 eyes; low-certainty evidence). One study comparing multi-wavelength PBM with sham treatment showed an improvement in contrast sensitivity at Level E (18 cycles/degree) at 12 months (MD 0.29 LogCS, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.35; 1 RCT, 46 eyes; low-certainty evidence). Visual function and health-related quality of life scores were comparable between single wavelength PBM and no treatment groups at 12 months (VFQ-48 score MD 0.43, 95% CI -0.17 to 1.03; P = 0.16; 1 RCT, 47 eyes; low-certainty evidence). When comparing PBM with sham treatment or no treatment for non-exudative AMD, there was no evidence of any meaningful clinical difference in conversion to exudative AMD (risk ratio (RR) 0.97, 95% CI 0.17 to 5.44; 2 RCTs, 96 eyes; very low-certainty evidence) at 12 months. There was inconclusive evidence that single wavelength PBM prevents the progression of AMD (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.53; P = 0.48; 1 RCT, 50 eyes; low-certainty evidence). Disease progression was defined as the development of advanced AMD or significant increase in drusen volume. No included study reported near vision, low luminance vision or reading speed outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Currently there remains uncertainty whether PBM treatment is beneficial in slowing progression of non-exudative macular degeneration. There is a need for further well-designed controlled trials assessing dosimetry, powered for both effectiveness and safety outcomes. Consideration should be given to the adoption of agreed clinical outcome measures and patient-based outcome measures for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Henein
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - David Hw Steel
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, UK
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Higgins BE, Taylor DJ, Binns AM, Crabb DP. Are Current Methods of Measuring Dark Adaptation Effective in Detecting the Onset and Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration? A Systematic Literature Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2021; 10:21-38. [PMID: 33565038 PMCID: PMC7887145 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-020-00323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dark adaptation (DA) has been proposed as a possible functional biomarker for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this systematic review we aim to evaluate current methodology used to assess DA in people with AMD, the evidence of precision in detecting the onset and progression of AMD, and the relationship between DA and other functional and structural measures. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES were searched for studies published between January 2006 and January 2020 that assessed DA in people with AMD. Details of eligible studies including study design, characteristics of study population and outcomes were recorded. All included studies underwent quality appraisal using approved critical appraisal tools. This systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019129486). RESULTS Forty-eight studies were eligible for inclusion, reporting a variety of instruments and protocols to assess different DA parameters. Twenty of these studies used the AdaptDx (MacuLogix, Hummelstown, PA, USA) instrument and assessed rod-intercept time (RIT). Most of these reported that RIT was delayed in people with AMD and this delay worsened with AMD severity. Four studies, involving 533 participants, reported estimates of diagnostic performance of AdaptDx to separate people with AMD from visually healthy controls. DA has been compared to other measures of visual function, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and structural measures. Ten studies specifically considered evidence that the presence of certain structural abnormalities was associated with impaired DA in AMD. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review indicates overwhelming evidence of reasonable quality for an association between impaired DA and AMD. Data on the repeatability and reproducibility of DA measurement are sparse. There is evidence that structural abnormalities such as reticular drusen are associated with prolongation of DA time. Fewer studies have explored an association between DA and other measures of visual function or PROMs. We found no studies that had compared DA with performance-based measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany E Higgins
- Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Deanna J Taylor
- Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Alison M Binns
- Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - David P Crabb
- Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK.
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Terheyden JH, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Crabb DP, Dunbar H, Luhmann UFO, Behning C, Schmid M, Silva R, Cunha-Vaz J, Tufail A, Weissgerber G, Leal S, Holz FG, Finger RP. Use of Composite End Points in Early and Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration Clinical Trials: State-of-the-Art and Future Directions. Ophthalmologica 2020; 244:387-395. [PMID: 33285549 DOI: 10.1159/000513591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The slow progression of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) stages to advanced AMD requires the use of surrogate end points in clinical trials. The use of combined end points may allow for shorter and smaller trials due to increased precision. We performed a literature search for the use of composite end points as primary outcome measures in clinical studies of early AMD stages. PubMed was searched for composite end points used in early/intermediate AMD studies published during the last 10 years. A total of 673 articles of interest were identified. After reviewing abstracts and applicable full-text articles, 33 articles were eligible and thus included in the qualitative synthesis. The main composite end point categories were: combined structural and functional end points, combined structural end points, combined functional end points and combined multicategorical end points. The majority of the studies included binary composite end points. There was a lack of sensitivity analyses of different end points against accepted outcomes (i.e., progression) in the literature. Various composite outcome measures have been used but there is a lack of standardization. To date no agreement on the optimal approach to implement combined end points in clinical studies of early stages of AMD exists, and no surrogate end points have been accepted for AMD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - David P Crabb
- Division of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Dunbar
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrich F O Luhmann
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Translational Medicine Ophthalmology, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Behning
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmid
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rufino Silva
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Cunha-Vaz
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Robert P Finger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany,
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Taylor DJ, Jones L, Binns AM, Crabb DP. 'You've got dry macular degeneration, end of story': a qualitative study into the experience of living with non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Eye (Lond) 2020; 34:461-473. [PMID: 31118490 PMCID: PMC7042256 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-019-0445-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of non-neovascular (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the person with respect to diagnosis, vision loss and coping strategies. SUBJECTS/METHODS Volunteers with dry AMD with a range of disease severity were given an eye examination and asked to describe aspects of their experience with dry AMD in a semi-structured interview. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and subjected to Framework analysis. Overarching themes were pre-defined, whilst subthemes were derived from the data. RESULTS Twenty-seven participants (81% female), with early (n = 3), intermediate (n = 16) and advanced dry AMD (GA; n = 8) were interviewed. Median (interquartile range) age (years), logMAR binocular visual acuity and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity were 76 (71, 80), 0.2 (0.18, 0.40) and 1.65 (1.35, 1.93), respectively. Overarching themes (and subthemes) were: diagnosis (relationship with healthcare professional, psychological impact of diagnosis, and knowledge of AMD, both pre- and post-diagnosis), impact of visual loss (functional and psychological) and coping strategies (help from others and personal strategies). Many participants reported feelings of distress at the time of diagnosis and, particularly noteworthy, several reported a constant fear of their condition worsening. CONCLUSIONS Dry AMD, for which there is currently no treatment, can have a significant impact on individuals, even in its early stages, before significant functional vision loss is manifest, as well as in its intermediate and advanced stages. Results from this study offer important insight into the experience of living with dry AMD not previously explored. Moreover, the results have the potential to serve as an educational resource for eyecare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna J Taylor
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - Lee Jones
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - Alison M Binns
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - David P Crabb
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK.
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van Nispen RMA, Virgili G, Hoeben M, Langelaan M, Klevering J, Keunen JEE, van Rens GHMB. Low vision rehabilitation for better quality of life in visually impaired adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 1:CD006543. [PMID: 31985055 PMCID: PMC6984642 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006543.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low vision rehabilitation aims to optimise the use of residual vision after severe vision loss, but also aims to teach skills in order to improve visual functioning in daily life. Other aims include helping people to adapt to permanent vision loss and improving psychosocial functioning. These skills promote independence and active participation in society. Low vision rehabilitation should ultimately improve quality of life (QOL) for people who have visual impairment. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation interventions on health-related QOL (HRQOL), vision-related QOL (VRQOL) or visual functioning and other closely related patient-reported outcomes in visually impaired adults. SEARCH METHODS We searched relevant electronic databases and trials registers up to 18 September 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating HRQOL, VRQOL and related outcomes of adults, with an irreversible visual impairment (World Health Organization criteria). We included studies that compared rehabilitation interventions with active or inactive control. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 44 studies (73 reports) conducted in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia. Considering the clinical diversity of low vision rehabilitation interventions, the studies were categorised into four groups of related intervention types (and by comparator): (1) psychological therapies and/or group programmes, (2) methods of enhancing vision, (3) multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes, (4) other programmes. Comparators were no care or waiting list as an inactive control group, usual care or other active control group. Participants included in the reported studies were mainly older adults with visual impairment or blindness, often as a result of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Study settings were often hospitals or low vision rehabilitation services. Effects were measured at the short-term (six months or less) in most studies. Not all studies reported on funding, but those who did were supported by public or non-profit funders (N = 31), except for two studies. Compared to inactive comparators, we found very low-certainty evidence of no beneficial effects on HRQOL that was imprecisely estimated for psychological therapies and/or group programmes (SMD 0.26, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.80; participants = 183; studies = 1) and an imprecise estimate suggesting little or no effect of multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.21; participants = 183; studies = 2; I2 = 0%); no data were available for methods of enhancing vision or other programmes. Regarding VRQOL, we found low- or very low-certainty evidence of imprecisely estimated benefit with psychological therapies and/or group programmes (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.08; studies = 2; I2 = 24%) and methods of enhancing vision (SMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.54 to 0.15; participants = 262; studies = 5; I2 = 34%). Two studies using multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes showed beneficial but inconsistent results, of which one study, which was at low risk of bias and used intensive rehabilitation, recorded a very large and significant effect (SMD: -1.64, 95% CI -2.05 to -1.24), and the other a small and uncertain effect (SMD -0.42, 95%: -0.90 to 0.07). Compared to active comparators, we found very low-certainty evidence of small or no beneficial effects on HRQOL that were imprecisely estimated with psychological therapies and/or group programmes including no difference (SMD -0.09, 95% CI -0.39 to 0.20; participants = 600; studies = 4; I2 = 67%). We also found very low-certainty evidence of small or no beneficial effects with methods of enhancing vision, that were imprecisely estimated (SMD -0.09, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.09; participants = 443; studies = 2; I2 = 0%) and multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes (SMD -0.10, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.12; participants = 375; studies = 2; I2 = 0%). Concerning VRQOL, low-certainty evidence of small or no beneficial effects that were imprecisely estimated, was found with psychological therapies and/or group programmes (SMD -0.11, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.01; participants = 1245; studies = 7; I2 = 19%) and moderate-certainty evidence of small effects with methods of enhancing vision (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.08; participants = 660; studies = 7; I2 = 16%). No additional benefit was found with multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes (SMD 0.01, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.20; participants = 464; studies = 3; I2 = 0%; low-certainty evidence). Among secondary outcomes, very low-certainty evidence of a significant and large, but imprecisely estimated benefit on self-efficacy or self-esteem was found for psychological therapies and/or group programmes versus waiting list or no care (SMD -0.85, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.22; participants = 456; studies = 5; I2 = 91%). In addition, very low-certainty evidence of a significant and large estimated benefit on depression was found for psychological therapies and/or group programmes versus waiting list or no care (SMD -1.23, 95% CI -2.18 to -0.28; participants = 456; studies = 5; I2 = 94%), and moderate-certainty evidence of a small benefit versus usual care (SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.04; participants = 1334; studies = 9; I2 = 0%). ln the few studies in which (serious) adverse events were reported, these seemed unrelated to low vision rehabilitation. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this Cochrane Review, no evidence of benefit was found of diverse types of low vision rehabilitation interventions on HRQOL. We found low- and moderate-certainty evidence, respectively, of a small benefit on VRQOL in studies comparing psychological therapies or methods for enhancing vision with active comparators. The type of rehabilitation varied among studies, even within intervention groups, but benefits were detected even if compared to active control groups. Studies were conducted on adults with visual impairment mainly of older age, living in high-income countries and often having AMD. Most of the included studies on low vision rehabilitation had a short follow-up, Despite these limitations, the consistent direction of the effects in this review towards benefit justifies further research activities of better methodological quality including longer maintenance effects and costs of several types of low vision rehabilitation. Research on the working mechanisms of components of rehabilitation interventions in different settings, including low-income countries, is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth MA van Nispen
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije UniversiteitDepartment of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam Public Health research instituteAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Gianni Virgili
- University of FlorenceDepartment of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA)Largo Palagi, 1FlorenceItaly50134
| | - Mirke Hoeben
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije UniversiteitDepartment of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam Public Health research instituteAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Maaike Langelaan
- Netherlands institute for health services, NIVEL researchP.O. Box 1568UtrechtNetherlands3500 BN
| | - Jeroen Klevering
- Radboud University Medical CenterDepartment of OphthalmologyNijmegenNetherlands
| | - Jan EE Keunen
- Radboud University Medical CenterDepartment of OphthalmologyNijmegenNetherlands
| | - Ger HMB van Rens
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije UniversiteitDepartment of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam Public Health research instituteAmsterdamNetherlands
- Elkerliek HospitalDepartment of OphthalmologyHelmondNetherlands
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Waugh N, Loveman E, Colquitt J, Royle P, Yeong JL, Hoad G, Lois N. Treatments for dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease: a systematic review. Health Technol Assess 2019; 22:1-168. [PMID: 29846169 DOI: 10.3310/hta22270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual loss in older people. Advanced AMD takes two forms, neovascular (wet) and atrophic (dry). Stargardt disease (STGD) is the commonest form of inherited macular dystrophy. OBJECTIVE To carry out a systematic review of treatments for dry AMD and STGD, and to identify emerging treatments where future NIHR research might be commissioned. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library from 2005 to 13 July 2017 for reviews, journal articles and meeting abstracts. We looked for studies of interventions that aim to preserve or restore vision in people with dry AMD or STGD. The most important outcomes are those that matter to patients: visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, reading speed, ability to drive, adverse effects of treatment, quality of life, progression of disease and patient preference. However, visual loss is a late event and intermediate predictors of future decline were accepted if there was good evidence that they are strong predictors of subsequent visual outcomes. These include changes detectable by investigation, but not necessarily noticed by people with AMD or STGD. ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization search portal and the UK Clinical Trials gateway were searched for ongoing and recently completed clinical trials. RESULTS The titles and abstracts of 7948 articles were screened for inclusion. The full text of 398 articles were obtained for further screening and checking of references and 112 articles were included in the final report. Overall, there were disappointingly few good-quality studies (including of sufficient size and duration) reporting useful outcomes, particularly in STGD. However we did identify a number of promising research topics, including drug treatments, stem cells, new forms of laser treatment, and implantable intraocular lens telescopes. In many cases, research is already under way, funded by industry or governments. LIMITATIONS In AMD, the main limitation came from the poor quality of much of the evidence. Many studies used VA as their main outcome despite not having sufficient duration to observe changes. The evidence on treatments for STGD is sparse. Most studies tested interventions with no comparison group, were far too short term, and the quality of some studies was poor. FUTURE WORK We think that the topics on which the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Efficacy Mechanism and Evaluation (EME) programmes might consider commissioning primary research are in STGD, a HTA trial of fenretinide (ReVision Therapeutics, San Diego, CA, USA), a visual cycle inhibitor, and EME research into the value of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements, using short-term measures of retinal function. In AMD, we suggest trials of fenretinide and of a potent statin. There is epidemiological evidence from the USA that the drug, levodopa, used for treating Parkinson's disease, may reduce the incidence of AMD. We suggest that similar research should be carried out using the large general practice databases in the UK. Ideally, future research should be at earlier stages in both diseases, before vision is impaired, using sensitive measures of macular function. This may require early detection of AMD by screening. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016038708. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research HTA programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Waugh
- Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Pamela Royle
- Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Noemi Lois
- Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK.,Wellcome-Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queens University, Belfast, UK
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Robinson DG, Margrain TH, Bailey C, Binns AM. An Evaluation of a Battery of Functional and Structural Tests as Predictors of Likely Risk of Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 60:580-589. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Grant Robinson
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Tom H. Margrain
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Bailey
- Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alison M. Binns
- Division of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Robinson DG, Margrain TH, Dunn MJ, Bailey C, Binns AM. Low-Level Nighttime Light Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Clinical Trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 59:4531-4541. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Grant Robinson
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Tom H. Margrain
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Matt J. Dunn
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Bailey
- Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alison M. Binns
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, United Kingdom
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10
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de Moraes G, Layton CJ. Therapeutic targeting of diabetic retinal neuropathy as a strategy in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 44:838-852. [PMID: 27334889 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes causes a panretinal neurodegeneration herein termed diabetic retinal neuropathy, which manifests in the retina early and progresses throughout the disease. Clinical manifestations include changes in the ERG, perimetry, dark adaptation, contrast sensitivity and colour vision which correlate with laboratory findings of thinning of the retinal neuronal layers, increased apoptosis in neurons and activation of glial cells. Possible mechanisms include oxidative stress, neuronal AGE accumulation, altered balance of neurotrophic factors and loss of mitohormesis. Retinal neural damage precedes and is a biologically plausible cause of retinal vasculopathy later in diabetes, and this review suggests that strategies to target it directly could prevent diabetes induced blindness. The efficacy of fenofibrate in reducing retinopathy progression provides a possible proof of concept for this approach. Strategies which may target diabetic retinal neuropathy include reducing retinal metabolic demand, improving mitochondrial function with AMPK and Sirt1 activators or providing neurotrophic support with neurotrophic supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher J Layton
- Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Greenslopes Private Hospital Ophthalmology Department, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Abstract
In diabetes, retinal blood flow is compromised, and retinal hypoxia is likely to be further intensified during periods of darkness. During dark adaptation, rod photoreceptors in the outer retina are maximally depolarized and continuously release large amounts of the neurotransmitter glutamate-an energetically demanding process that requires the highest oxygen consumption per unit volume of any tissue of the body. In complete darkness, even more oxygen is consumed by the outer retina, producing a steep fall in the retinal oxygen tension curve which reaches a nadir at the depth of the mitochondrial-rich rod inner segments. In contrast to the normal retina, the diabetic retina cannot meet the added metabolic load imposed by the dark-adapted rod photoreceptors; this exacerbates retinal hypoxia and stimulates the overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The use of nocturnal illumination to prevent dark adaptation, specifically reducing the rod photoreceptor dark current, should ameliorate diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Ramsey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA.
| | - G B Arden
- University College London, London, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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