The latest thinking is that macular degeneration is strongly linked to the inherited genes of the ARMD patient.

Is gene therapy is the future of macular degeneration treatment?

Research has confirmed that diet and environmental factors play a large role in the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). However, with the completion of the Human Genome Project, it will now be possible to identify gene mutations that predispose a person to ARMD. This will make it possible, in the future, to use gene therapy to modify these abnormal genes. Genetic modification will reduce the incidences of the more advanced stages of the disease, like choroidal neovascularization, fibrosis and geographic atrophy.

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One of the biggest advantages of gene therapy, over anti-VEGFs, a treatment limited to eyes with the “wet” form of macular degeneration, is its lack of potential side effects and its inherent preventive ability on early and late forms of ARMD.

Anti-VEGFs are only given to patients with “wet” macular degeneration — the leaking, swelling or bleeding form of the disease. Wet macular degeneration only accounts for about 10% of cases. “Dry” macular degeneration makes up the bulk of cases with over 80%.

Anti-VEGFs is currently the newest and most exciting treatment for ARMD — with ongoing research, gene therapy will hopefully surpass anti-VEGFs as the most successful treatment for this most destructive eye condition.

Ref: Retinal Physician, May/June 2006