This month's Top Story

Retinal implant? Scientists focus on developing a retinal prosthesis.

Baltimore Researchers have been testing an Electronic implantable chip system designed to restore vision in patients rendered blind by diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

The two-chip system will require the patient to wear special glasses with an electronic chip mounted in the frame. This chip will capture images, convert them to electrical impulses then transmit them, via tiny wires, to the second Chip which is implanted in the retina. The Implant will then create a sensible pattern of electrical stimulation which will then be Transmitted to the underlying neurons of the retina...

more info at
www.theretinasource.com/news/articles/RetinalImplant0501.htm

In other news...

Researchers Investigate New Macular Degeneration Medication
New York -- According to a presentation given to ophthalmologists at a recent New York Academy of Medicine meeting, the modified steroid Anecortave acetate, developed by Alcon Laboratories, Actually inhibits abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization) in patients with exudative (wet) macular degeneration.

Jason Slakter, MD, assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at the Columbus University College of Physicians and Surgeons, says the drug as remarkable ability to suppress the new vessel growth, which is the leading cause of vision loss in patients with wet macular Degeneration...more info at
www.theretinasource.com/news/articles/AnecortaveAcetate0401.htm


What's new at St. Luke's Retina Institute...

Dr. Montzka is Awarded United States Patent

Dan P. Montzka, MD, vitreo-retinal surgeon at St. Luke's Retina Institute was awarded a United States Patent and Trademark for his retina surgery device which allows surgeons to manipulate the sclera during certain retinal surgery procedures The device will simplify and improve an existing surgical procedure used in the treatment of macular degeneration.

After seeing the advanced retina surgery technique demonstrated at an international vitreo-retinal conference, Dr. Montzka immediately envisioned a safer, quicker way to perform the maneuver. Dr. Montzka collaborated with several retinal surgeons on staff at Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore...more info at

www.theretinasource.com/news/articles/MontzkaPatent_0501.htm


     # 16 May 2001