Page 34 - The Indian Digital Edition September-October 2020

NEW NON- GLAUCOMA RESEARCHERS

INVASIVE DEVELOP NEW WAY TO CONTROL
GENETIC EYE EYE PRESSURE
TEST FOR AMD

A Chicago-based genetics Neuroscientists at the University animal freely moved. The study,
published in Scientific Reports, found
testing company, Visible Genomics, of South Florida (USF) have become that raising pressure of an otherwise
the first to definitively prove pressure
has introduced a new non-invasive in the eye is sufficient to cause and healthy eye resulted in patterns of
genetic eye test that reveals a explain glaucoma. They were able retina and optic nerve damage like
patient’s chances of contracting age- to determine this through a new that seen in human glaucoma.
related macular degeneration (AMD), method that permits continuous
a disease that causes blindness. “The technique offers a
regulation of pressure without
The Visible Genomics test is damaging the eye. significant advancement in
glaucoma research,” said Chris
suggested for people who have In order to control pressure the Passaglia, PhD, professor of medical
a family history of the disease, or researchers implanted a tiny tube engineering at USF. “All studies
those showing signs of early or in the eye of an animal model and to date have elevated pressure by
intermediate AMD, which are the connected the tube to a pressure
highest group risks for progressing source and pressure sensor. The blocking fluid outflow from the
to advanced stages of AMD with pressure source infused fluid into the eye, whereas ours adds fluid as
vision loss. The clinically-validated eye via a saline reservoir or a portable necessary to produce a desired
saliva-based test combines a micro pump built by the researchers. pressure without damaging outflow
person’s genetic status, ocular The pressure sensor took pathways. Now researchers can
findings, and demographic and measurements every few seconds have direct knowledge and control
lifestyle characteristics to deliver around-the-clock for up to two of eye pressure.”
a comprehensive and clinically months, during which time the tube The study was funded by the
actionable risk assessment. This remained fixed in place even though National Eye Institute, part of the
assessment defines the AMD the eye blinked and rotated and the National Institutes of Health.
patient’s progression risk of
developing advanced AMD, and
calculates the lifetime risk for those UTSW DEVELOPS CUTTING-EDGE
with a family member with AMD.
“Age-related macular SURGERY FOR FACIAL PARALYSIS
degeneration is one of the leading
causes of blindness in the U.S., Facial paralysis can be caused drawback is that this surgery is
yet there’s a lack of accessible and due to various cause, including only performed at a handful of
reliable genetic risk testing options trauma, head and neck cancers, institutions around the world,
that can help with proper diagnosis complication from a viral infection, including UTSW. The procedure,
and prognosis,” stated Visible and Bell’s palsy. Patients with facial described in the journal Plastic and
Genomics CEO and founder, Frank paralysis often cannot close their Reconstructive Surgery, involves
Adamo. He added, “Our health eyes – this can lead to irritation and reinnervating the muscles around
care system is reactive instead of subsequent scarring of the corneas the eye that allow eye closure via a
proactive and preventative. With – the eyes’ outer layer covering the combination of techniques.
use of the Visible Genomics testing pupil – since they can’t be protected The Surgeons revealed that the
system, we can now give doctors and patients could not only close their
their patients the right tools to help or moistened by the eyelids. eyes faster and more completely
prevent vision loss.” However, a new cutting-edge after the surgery, but also showed

“Our goal is to change the way we technique has now been developed improved protection of the cornea.
treat AMD so that more and more by surgeons at UT Southwestern Patients who had facial paralysis for
people can maintain healthy vision. (UTSW) that will enable such less than 18 months were the ones
The earlier we treat AMD, the better patients to close their eyes. The who benefitted the most.
the outcome,” said Adamo.

| SEPT-OCT 2020 | 30 OPHTHALMIC NEWS

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