FDA-approved drug slows progression of dry macular degeneration

(WISH) — There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

Dry, age-related macular degeneration is the most common type; it happens when small deposits form under the retina, causing cells in the eye’s macula to die off. There’s currently no cure, however, breakthroughs are on the horizon.

Anyone with dry, age-related macular degeneration may have central end up blurry, distorted or dim. “It’s the leading cause of vision loss amongst American citizens,” said Dr. Christopher D. Riemann, vitreoretinal surgeon at the Cincinnati Eye Institute.

It gets worse over time.

“There’s no treatments that have been shown to actually improve vision. It’s a significant unmet need,” Riemann said.

In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first medicine for advanced dry macular degeneration. Syfovre is given as an injection in the eye. While it doesn’t restore vision loss, studies show it can slow the progression of the disease.

“The dry macular degeneration is by far more common. It’s the 80% to 90% of patients with macular degeneration,” Riemann said

As part of a clinical trial, he is one of the surgeons testing whether injecting human retinal pigment epithelium cells into the eyes of patients can improve vision....