Michael P. Varenhorst MD Participating in Nationwide Clinical Study to Evaluate Potential Treatments for Macular Degeneration

Wichita area volunteers needed to support important AMD research.

Wichita, KS January 29, 2005 -- Michael P. Varenhorst MD is one of 26 sites across the country participating in a research study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication for individuals with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among seniors. While the causes of macular degeneration are unknown, researchers are working hard to develop treatments to improve the vision of those affected by AMD.

One in five Americans between the ages of 55 and 74 are affected by AMD. Each year 1.8 million people with macular degeneration will suffer severe loss of central vision. Michael P. Varenhorst MD is screening volunteers who are suffering with vision loss associated with the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, also known as wet AMD, for possible participation in the research study. The wet form of AMD is characterized by symptoms such as blurry or blind spots in the center of vision, straight lines appearing wavy, and/or difficulty recognizing faces at a distance. In order to participate, volunteers must be age 55 or older, and must have neovascularization (the growth of new blood vessels behind the eye) associated with their diagnosis of wet AMD.

Potential volunteers who have AMD may be interested in learning more. For more information, potential volunteers can call Shelley Kuhn at Michael P. Varenhorst MD, 1-316-683-5611.

About AMD
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease where central vision is impaired or lost due to damage to the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central, detailed vision. There is no pain associated with AMD. Early signs include blurred central vision. Also, straight lines may appear wavy. As AMD progresses, a blind spot can develop and expand in the center of the field of vision.

There are two forms of AMD, dry and wet. With the wet for of AMD, there is typically leakage from newly-grown blood vessels which distorts and damages the macula. Wet AMD can progress quite rapidly. Dry AMD results from a breakdown of cells in the macula not related to blood vessels. The dry form progresses more gradually than wet AMD, and many with dry AMD may also develop wet AMD. Dry AMD is more common although wet AMD only accounts for 10% of all AMD cases, it accounts for 90% of the vision loss due to AMD.

Treatment
There are a limited number of treatments available for AMD. Laser surgery, also called laser photocoagulation, can be used to cauterize (burn) the new blood vessels and possibly prevent further growth and leakage. With this surgery, there is a risk of damage to surrounding tissue. Only a small percentage of wet AMD cases can be treated with laser surgery. Blood vessel growth may return or continue even after laser surgery, often repeated treatments are needed and the disease may still advance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a cool laser and light-sensitive medication injected into your veins.

The laser light is focused on the new blood vessel and activates the light-sensitive medication, which seals the blood vessels to possibly prevent further growth and leakage. PDT treatment will only slow the progression of AMD, and repeat treatments may be needed. None of the available treatments can cure or reverse the effects of AMD, at best they can only prevent further damage. Investigational medications and procedures continue to try to identify other treatment options for AMD.

An important research study for AMD
A nationwide clinical research study is seeking individuals with Age-Related Macular Degeneration for possible participation in the study of an investigational medication. Participation in the study involves nine visits to a local eye doctor throughout a period of one year, with the possibility of participating in a study extension for an additional year. Volunteers who qualify and participate will receive study-related medical care including health assessments and study medication. Volunteers must have neovascularization (the growth of new blood vessels behind the eye) associated with a diagnosis of wet AMD.

For more information, potential volunteers can call Shelley Kuhn at Michael P. Varenhorst MD, 1-316-683-5611.

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