Closely-held Lutronic Vision initiated a preclinical trial to determine the optimal setting for its R:GEN laser for the treatment of the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
At the conclusion of the preclinical study, which is being conducted at the University of Southern California (USC), Lutronic Vision plans to initiate clinical evaluation of the R:GEN laser’s ability to treat dry AMD.
Dr. Mark Humayun, Prof. of ophthalmology and biomedical engineering at USC and co-inventor of the Argus II retinal prosthesis, said, “As a clinician-engineer, I look forward to exploring potential treatments for dry AMD in an effort to stop vision loss and help individuals maintain their independence.”
AMD is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide and the primary leading cause of vision loss in the elderly in the Western world. AMD is classified as either dry (non-exudative) or wet (exudative) disease. There is currently no effective treatment for dry AMD, the most common form of the disease.
Lutronic Vision’s R:GEN system is a fully integrated laser platform that safely and precisely targets the retina-pigmented epithelium to regenerate and restore its function. While older retinal photocoagulator lasers destroy retinal tissue in an effort to preserve vision, R:GEN aims to revitalize retinal tissue by stimulating repair, potentially leading to better vision and an improved lifestyle for patients.
