Macular Degeneration, a Leading Cause of Irreversible Vision Loss
Vision loss is a condition that is feared by many people and is among the top ten causes of disability in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the leading causes of blindness and low vision in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Nearly two million Americans over the age of 40 are affected by AMD, and it is estimated that approximately seven and a half million more are at considerable risk of developing the permanent impairment. Moreover, this estimate is expected to double within the next thirty years due to a rapidly aging population. In fact, age-related macular degeneration is a major cause of vision loss worldwide and its prevalence is increasing.
Vision loss has grave consequences not only for the individual, but for those who care for and about them, and to society as a whole. For those who suffer from macular degeneration, the disease can result in the reduced ability to read, drive, recognize faces, watch television, and to perform even basic tasks such as preparing meals, household cleaning or repairs.
Loss of vision can be a traumatic experience that can have many profound effects. It may oftentimes lead to depression, lowered self-esteem, social isolation, feelings of loss, and can affect working, volunteering, and recreational pursuits. Additionally, research has indicated greater family stress, and a tendency to experience other health conditions or premature death.
In addition to these serious consequences for the individual and to those who care for them, the cost to society as a whole is extensive. The cost of vision loss in the Unites States alone is estimated to exceed thirty-five billion dollars. This number includes both direct costs and lost productivity.
Today, there is no cure yet. The main goals of treatment are to prevent the progression in the early stages of the disease or to manage manifestations in later stages. One common option to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration is to inject drugs into the eye, sometimes in multiple monthly injections.
However, other options may become available in the near future. Otomagnetics is developing and commercializing a magnetic injection delivery system that may be able to safely, effectively, and non-invasively deliver therapy to the retina without needles. This proprietary magnetic injection delivery system combined with biodegradable magnetic particles (composed solely out of materials approved by the FDA for injection into the body) may be able to carry essentially any therapy (drugs, proteins, or genes) with potential eye indications to include macular degeneration, glaucoma, and treatment of corneal conditions.
Toward this endeavor, Otomagnetics welcomes advocacy organizations, private industry, foundations, or individuals who have a shared interest and would like more information or who wish to partner with them in advancing their goals. If you would like to find out more information about Otomagnetics' research, please visit www.otomagnetics.com or contact us at info@otomagnetics.com.
