Low-Vision Rehabilitation by Means of MP-1 Biofeedback Examination in Patients with Different Macular Diseases: A Pilot Study

Macular disease is one of the main causes of visual impairment. We studied the efficacy of low-vision rehabilitation by means of MP-1 biofeedback examination in patients with different macular disease. Five patients were enrolled (3 female and 2 male, mean age 53.8 years) and a total of 9 eyes was examined: 2 eyes with vitelliform dystrophy, 1 with a post-traumatic macular scar, 2 with Stargardt disease, 2 with myopic macular degeneration, 2 with cone dystrophy. All the patients underwent the following tests: visual acuity, reading speed, fixation test, MP-1 microperimetry. Low-vision rehabilitation, which lasted 10 weeks, consisted of 10 training sessions of 10 min for each eye, performed once a week using the MP-1 biofeedback examination. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test. p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. After training all patients displayed an improvement in visual acuity, fixation behaviour, retinal sensitivity and reading speed. Fixation behaviour within the 2° diameter circle improved and was statistically significant for reading speed (p = 0.01). Reading speed improved from a mean value of 64.3 to 92 words/min. Our results show that audio feedback can, by increasing attentional modulation, help the brain to fix the final preferred retinal locus. Audio feedback facilitates stimuli transmission between intraretinal neurons as well as between the retina and brain, which is where the highest level of stimuli processing occurs, thereby probably supporting a “remapping phenomenon”.     

Microperimetric Biofeedback in AMD Patients

To analyse biofeedback training by microperimeter MP-1 (Nidek Technologies) on patients with Age Related Maculopathy (AMD). We enrolled 15 patients (10 female and 5 male) and examined total of 27 eyes with AMD. All the patient underwent 10 training sessions of 10 min for each eye, performed once a week using the MP-1 biofeedback examination. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test. p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. All patients displayed an improvement in visual acuity, fixation behaviour, retinal sensitivity an reading speed. The mean character size value improved from 36.4 to 11.7; this result was statistically significant (p = 0.031). A biofeedback examination using the MP-1 microperimeter can help the brain to memorize the final fixation location by increasing attention modulation, thereby providing an efficient preferred retinal locus for visual tasks in patients with macular disease and central scotoma.     

MP-1 Biofeedback: Luminous Pattern Stimulus Versus Acoustic Biofeedback in Age Related Macular degeneration (AMD)

In this study we evaluated the efficacy of visual rehabilitation by means of two different types of biofeedback techniques in patients with age related macular degeneration (AMD). Thirty patients, bilaterally affected by AMD, were randomly divided in two groups: one group was treated with an acoustic biofeedback (AB group), the other was treated with luminous biofeedback of a black and white checkerboard flickering during the examination (LB group). All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination. Rehabilitation consisted of 12 training sessions of 10 min for each eye performed once a week for both groups. Both groups showed better visual performance after rehabilitation and luminous flickering biofeedback stimulus showed a statistically significant improvement in training the patients to modify their preferred retinal locus in comparison to acoustic biofeedback. This suggests that it might be possible in the damaged retina to override dead photoreceptor and outer retinal layers and involve residual surviving cells, as well as amplify and integrate retinal and brain cortex plasticity by using other spared channels towards associative pathways.     

雷珠单抗与阿柏西普玻璃体腔注射治疗渗出性年龄相关性黄斑变性的疗效观察

目的:探究雷珠单抗与阿柏西普玻璃体腔注射治疗渗出性年龄相关性黄斑变性的临床疗效与安全性。方法:选取2015年5月～2018年5月我院收治的渗出性年龄相关性黄斑变性患者98例(98眼),采用随机数字表法将患者分为两组,A组玻璃体腔内缓慢注射0.05 m L(0.5 mg)雷珠单抗注射液,B组玻璃体腔内缓慢注射0.05 m L(2 mg)阿柏西普注射液。比较两组患者的视力改善情况、眼动脉血流动力学、黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度及不良反应的发生情况。结果:治疗前两组患者的视力比较无统计学差异(P0.05),治疗后,B组视力显著高于A组(P0.05);。两组患者治疗前后眼动脉血流动力学相关指标比较均无统计学差异(P0.05)。;两组患者治疗后的黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度均显著降低,且治疗3个月B组治疗3个月显著低于A组(P0.05);B组患者注射药物后结膜下大出血发生率显著低于A组(P0.05)。结论:阿柏西普可显著改善渗出性年龄相关性黄斑变性患者的视力,且安全性高,可能与其可显著改善患者的黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度有关,且不良反应发生率低,安全性好。     

Surgical treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) occurs in a variety of ocular conditions and often results in severe central vision loss. Laser photocoagulation has been the accepted treatment for well-defined extra and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVM), but provides minimal benefits in the treatment of subfoveal CNVMs. Recently, surgical membrane extraction has been considered as a possible alternative treatment for subfoveal CNVMs. Results of this treatment have been mixed, with significantly better visual recovery in eyes with presumed ocular histoplasmosis than in eyes with age-related macular degeneration. This paper discusses the surgical procedures, visual outcomes, prognostic factors for visual improvement and ocular complications of subfoveal CNVM excision.     

Ocular findings in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing haemodialysis

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the ocular findings in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing haemodialysis (HD). In 64 patients undergoing haemodialysis (30 female and 34 male), aged 24-83 years (mean 58 years) on haemodialysis 1-213 months (mean 47 months) complete ocular examination were performed: visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), biomicroscopic examination and fundoscopy. On right eye sixty-nine percent of patents had VA 0.6 or better, and on left eye 84% of patients had VA 0.6 or better. Mean IOP before dialysis was 15 mmHg and after dialysis was 14 mmHg. In 9 patients (14%) we found corneo-conjunctival calcium deposits. No correlation of ocular calcification and parathyroid hormone (PTH) level or calcium and phosphate product were observed. 39 (60%) patients had cataract. Hypertensive vascular changes were seen in 44 (68%) patients and in 6 (7%) patients age-related macular degeneration. Seven patients had diabetes mellitus and in 5 diabetic retinopathy was observed. Patients with CRF or who are receiving HD represent unique group of patients. Pathologic change could be found in many tissue and organs, therefore we suggest ocular examination more frequently in dialysis patients.     

黄斑部视网膜前膜患者手术前后黄斑区结构变化及与视功能预后的关系

目的:探讨黄斑部视网膜前膜患者手术前后黄斑区域结构变化情况,及其与患者术后视功能的关系。方法:对2014年2月-2016年8月间在我院进行手术治疗的黄斑部视网膜前膜患者60例(60眼)的临床资料进行回顾性分析。所有患者均进行光学相干断层扫描(OCT)检查,观察黄斑中心凹及各方位视网膜厚度变化,同时记录患者手术前后最佳矫正视力(BCVA),分析其相关性。结果:术后53例(53眼)患者视力提高,占88.33%,7例(7眼)患者视力不变,占11.67%。术前患者BCVA为(0.18±0.07),术后3个月BCVA为(0.38±0.12),术后3个月BCVA较术前显著提高(P0.05)。患者术后黄斑中心凹厚度、内环颞侧厚度、内环鼻侧厚度、内环上方厚度、内环下方厚度、外环颞侧厚度、外环鼻侧厚度、外环上方厚度、外环下方厚度较术前均显著降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。经Pearson相关分析显示,患者术前黄斑中心凹厚度、内环颞侧厚度、外环颞侧厚度、术前后黄斑中心凹厚度差值、术前后内环颞侧厚度差值、术前后外环颞侧厚度差值与术后BCVA呈负相关(P0.05)。结论:玻璃体切除术可以显著降低黄斑部视网膜前膜患者黄斑区视网膜厚度,提高患者视功能,术前黄斑区域形态对患者术后视力恢复有一定影响。     

X-linked recessive atrophic macular degeneration from RPGR mutation

We mapped a new X-linked recessive atrophic macular degeneration locus to Xp21.1-p11.4 and show allelic involvement of the gene RPGR, which normally causes severe peripheral retinal degeneration leading to global blindness. Ten affected males whom we examined had primarily macular atrophy causing progressive loss of visual acuity with minimal peripheral visual impairment. One additional male showed extensive macular degeneration plus peripheral loss of retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaries. Full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) showed normal cone and rod responses in some affected males despite advanced macular degeneration, emphasizing the dissociation of atrophic macular degeneration from generalized cone degenerations, including X-linked cone dystrophy (COD1). The RPGR gene nonsense mutation G-->T at open reading frame (ORF)15+1164 cosegregated with the disease and may create a donor splice site. Identification of an RPGR mutation in atrophic maculardegeneration expands the phenotypic range associated with this gene and provides a new tool for the dissection of the relationship between clinically different retinal pathologies.     

Photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration

To evaluate photodynamic therapy with verteporfin combined with intravitreal bevacizumab in minimally classic and occult choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. 46 eyes of 46 patients (mean age 74.5) included in this prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Median follow-up was 24 weeks (12-36). Verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) was followed by 0.05 mL (1.25 mg) of bevacizumab injected intravitreally within 24 hours and again after 6 weeks. Whole procedure was repeated in 3-month intervals in case of leakage. Visual acuity (VA) improved in majority of patients (baseline VA 1.041 log MAR) by mean increase of 1.45 lines (last follow-up) (p = 0.001). Central foveal thickness (CFT) and total macular volume (TMV) decreased by 53 microm (p = 0.03) and 1.04 mm3 (p < 0.001) respectively. No serious complications were observed. Combined treatment may improve outcome of monotherapy. Significant improvement in VA, CFT and TMA was noted in majority of patients and maintained during follow-up.     

康柏西普与雷珠单抗治疗年龄相关性黄斑变性的临床研究

目的:探讨康柏西普联合雷珠单抗治疗年龄相关性黄斑变性(AMD)的临床疗效。方法:选择2015年6月到2016年10月我院收治的60例AMD患者,按随机数字表法分为对照组和治疗组。对照组患者给予康柏西普治疗,治疗组患者给予康柏西普联合雷珠单抗治疗,两组患者均治疗3个月。评价并比较两组患者临床疗效。统计并比较两组患者治疗后的视网膜渗漏总改善率。观察并比较两组患者治疗前后最佳矫正视力和黄斑视网膜厚度。结果:治疗后,治疗组患者的视力提高率为80.00%,明显高于对照组的55.00%,差异具有统计学意义(X~2=4.104,P=0.043)。治疗后,治疗组患者的视网膜渗漏总改善率为92.50%,明显高于对照组的70.00%,差异具有统计学意义(X~2=5.294,P=0.021)。治疗前,两组患者最佳矫正视力、黄斑视网膜厚度比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后,两组患者最佳矫正视力均明显大于治疗前,黄斑视网膜厚度均明显小于治疗前,并且治疗组均明显优于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:康柏西普联合雷珠单抗治疗AMD的临床疗效显著,能够明显提高视力,减轻视网膜渗漏,值得在临床上推广应用。     

Specific Muscle EMG Biofeedback for Hand Dystonia

Currently available therapies have only limited success in patients having hand dystonia (writer's cramp). We employed specific muscle EMG biofeedback (audio feedback of the EMG from proximal large muscles of the limb that show abnormally high activity during writing) in 10 of 13 consecutive patients (age, 19–62 years; all males) with a duration of illness from 6 months to 8 years. In three patients, biofeedback was not applicable due to lack of abnormal EMG values. Nine patients showed dystonic posture during writing and had hypertrophy of one or more large muscles of the dominant hand. The remaining four patients showed either involvement of small muscles or muscle wasting. Ten patients were given four or more sessions of EMG audio biofeedback from the proximal large limb muscles, which showed maximum EMG activity. They also practiced writing daily with the relaxed limb for 5 to 10 min. Nine patients showed improvement from 37 to 93% in handwriting, alleviation of discomfort, and pain (assessed on a visual analogue scale). One patient did not show any improvement. Thus EMG biofeedback improved the clinical and electromyographic picture in those patients with hand dystonia who showed EMG overactivity of proximal limb muscles during writing. This specific type of EMG biofeedback appears to be a promising tool for hand dystonia and might also be applied to other types of dystonias.     

"Brilliant Blue G" and "Membrane Blue Dual" assisted vitrectomy for macular hole

The aim of this study is to evaluate vital dyes "Brilliant Blue G" (BBG) and "Membrane Blue Dual" (MBD) for intraoperative staining of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) during vitrectomy for macular hole (MH). Retrospective, comparative case series on 18 eyes with macular holes who underwent "23 and 25 gauge" pars plana vitrectomy. Main outcome measurements were staining intensity and characteristics, visual acuity, visual field, OCT measurements and complications over a period of 6 months. With the help of BBG and MBD successfully was removed complete ILM in 14 eyes. Postoperative visual acuity was improved in 12 patients, unchanged in 2 patients and worse in 4 patients. Central retinal thickness showed significant postoperative reduction with closure of macular hole. OCT values range were from -10 to -250 microm. No visual field defects and no adverse effects were found. BBG and MBD successfully identificate internal limiting membrane during vitrectomy for MH. Good anatomical and functional results are achieved with the use of both vital dyes.     

中老年黄斑变性患者跌倒风险与视力的关系及对生存质量的影响

摘要 目的：分析中老年黄斑变性患者跌倒风险与视力的关系及其影响因素,并分析其对生存质量的影响。方法：研究对象为我院2018年1月~2020年12月期间收治的中老年黄斑变性患者95例,采用修订版社区老年人跌倒危险评估工具（MFROP-COM）评估患者跌倒风险。采用世界卫生组织生存质量量表（WHOQOL-BREAF）评价患者的生存质量。采用本院自制的调查问卷获取患者的临床资料。中老年黄斑变性患者跌倒风险的影响因素采用单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析。结果：本次研究共发放调查问卷95份,回收有效问卷95份,回收率100.00%。其中存在跌倒风险的患者38例（40.00%）。无跌倒风险的患者视力、生存质量各领域评分均优于有跌倒风险的患者（P<0.05）。单因素分析显示：中老年黄斑变性患者跌倒风险与视力、文化程度、年龄、家中安全行走、婚姻状况、居住方式、日常生活能力、居家环境安全、足部疾病、社区安全行走有关（P<0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示：日常生活能力、视力、家中安全行走、足部疾病、社区安全行走、居家环境安全是中老年黄斑变性患者跌倒风险的影响因素（P<0.05）。结论：中老年黄斑变性患者存在跌倒风险的人数占比较高,且跌倒风险受多种因素影响,有跌倒风险的患者生存质量更低,因此临床需积极评估并帮助此类患者建立科学防跌倒生活行为,对改善中老年黄斑变性患者生存质量具有重要意义。     

Blue light filtering intraocular lenses in phacoemulsification cataract surgery

Blue light can damage retina and cause age related macular degeneration. After cataract surgery and lens removal retina stays unprotected. Blue light filtering intraocular lenses (IOL) increase protection of the retina. In our prospective study we investigated clinical results after bilateral implantation of Acrysof Natural IOL to 30 patients (N = 60 eyes). In a control group (N = 60 eyes, 30 patients), standard acrysof IOL was implanted bilaterally. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and Nd YAG laser capsulotomy rate were measured and compared with control group. Subjective patient's satisfaction and subjective colour perception were also investigated. There was no significant difference in UCVA, BCVA and Nd YAG laser capsulotomy rate between the two groups. High patient's satisfaction was noticed (96.7% of patients would implant Acrysof Natural IOL again). Acrysof Natural IOL enables good visual acuity VA, low rate of Nd YAG laser capsulotomy and high patient's satisfaction without colour perception disturbances.     

康柏西普与雷珠单抗对年龄相关性黄斑变性患者血清CRP、VEGF、眼压及视力的影响

目的:探讨康柏西普与雷珠单抗对年龄相关性黄斑变性(AMD)患者血清中C反应蛋白(CRP)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)水平、眼压(IOP)及视力的影响。方法:选取2015年4月到2016年5月在我院接受治疗的AMD患者70例作为研究对象,采用随机数字表法将所有患者分为观察组和对照组各35例,所有患者给予内眼手术标准玻璃体注射治疗,观察组给予康柏西普注射液1.5mg腔内注射,对照组给予雷珠单抗注射液0.5 mL腔内注射,对比两组患者治疗前、治疗后3d血清CRP、VEGF水平;记录并对比两组患者视力、IOP水平及并发症情况。结果:两组患者治疗后3d血清CRP、VEGF水平较治疗前下降,且观察组患者CRP、VEGF水平低于对照组(P0.05);两组患者治疗后3d视力最小视角对数(logMAR)及IOP较治疗前降低,且观察组患者视力logMAR及IOP水平明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗后3d,两组各出现1例玻璃体出血,并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:相对于雷珠单抗,康柏西普更能有效降低AMD患者血清CRP、VEGF水平和IOP,提高患者视力,改善病情,值得临床推广应用。     

Cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis associated uveitis

Clinical records of 6 children (7 eyes) with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) who underwent cataract surgery with IOL implantation between January 1998 and December 2002 were reviewed. The median age at the time of cataract surgery was 8 years (range 5-14 years). The median follow up was 48 months (range 26 to 60 months). Five of six children (6 eyes) were on systemic immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory therapy. Glaucoma was present in three eyes before surgery, and all three eyes underwent combined cataract surgery and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. A final best corrected visual acuity of 0.5 or better was achieved in all eyes Postoperative complications included posterior capsule opacification (n = 5), glaucoma (n = 1), and cystoid macular edema (n = 1). Intraocular lens implantation in children with control of preoperative and postoperative ocular inflammation could lead to favorable visual results.     

26例中国先天性晶状体异位患者的基因诊断及手术初步效果观察

摘要 目的：总结26例中国先天性晶状体异位患者的基因诊断及晶状体异位的手术疗效。方法：回顾性收集2019年3月-2020年3月就诊于北京同仁医院眼科来自不同家系的双眼先天性晶状体异位患者26例共52眼。收集详细临床资料，提取外周静脉血全基因组DNA，应用靶向基因捕获技术筛查晶状体异常相关基因突变对所有患者进行基因诊断，采取微创晶状体-玻璃体切除或白内障超声乳化手术，记录视力、人工晶状体位置及主要并发症，采用配对t检验对术前术后最佳矫正视力进行比较。结果：患者均为汉族，男性14例，女性12例，年龄（21.2±15.2）岁。25例患者存在FBN1突变，1例为GJA8突变。22例（84.6%）可确诊为马凡综合征，3例诊为"潜在马凡综合征"。42眼采取微创晶状体-玻璃体切除类手术，7眼采取白内障超声乳化类手术。有31眼（59.6%）存在视网膜变性行网膜激光光凝。平均随诊时间（15.7±3.7）月，术后6个月及末次随访的最佳矫正视力（最小分辨角对数视力，0.30±0.16及0.21±0.11）均高于术前（0.76±0.31），差异有统计学意义（t=12.492，P＜0.001；t=13.171，P＜0.001）。术后所有眼的人工晶状体位置及稳定性良好，未发生视网膜脱离、黄斑水肿、人工晶状体脱位、人工晶状体偏位、继发性青光眼、眼内炎等并发症。结论：马凡综合征是此26例中国人先天性晶状体异位的主要病因，FBN1基因突变检测可为确诊提供有力证据，微创晶状体-玻璃体切除联合人工晶状体悬吊术效果好。     

Defects of the Lamina Cribrosa in High Myopia and Glaucoma

Purpose

We evaluated the prevalence and characteristics of the defects of the lamina cribrosa (LC) in high myopia and glaucoma, and compared them with control eyes using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).

Methods

One hundred fifty-nine eyes of 108 participants were divided into four subgroups; high myopia with glaucoma (MG, 67 eyes of 46 subjects), glaucoma without high myopia (G, 22 eyes of 13 subjects), high myopia without glaucoma (M, 35 eyes of 29 subjects), and a control group with neither glaucoma nor high myopia (C, 35 eyes of 20 subjects). The LC defects were identified and located using a standardized protocol in serial horizontal OCT scans. The prevalence rates of the defects were compared among the groups. Demographic and ocular factors were compared between eyes with and without defects.

Results

LC defects were observed in one eye (0.03%) in the C group, 8 eyes (22.9%) in the M group, 11 eyes (50%) in the G group, and 28 eyes (41.8%) in the MG group. The prevalence rates of the defects differed significantly among the groups (P = 0.0009). Most eyes with defects in the G and MG groups (79.5%) had damage in the corresponding visual hemifields. Other factors such as visual acuity, intraocular pressure, axial length, refractive error, disc ovality, or parapapillary atrophy area did not differ significantly between eyes with and without LC defects.

Conclusions

High myopia and glaucoma significantly increased the risk of LC damage. The LC damage in non-glaucomatous highly myopic eyes may at least partly explain the increased risk of developing glaucoma in myopic eyes.     

康柏西普联合激光光凝治疗糖尿病黄斑水肿43 例临床分析

目的:探讨康柏西普玻璃体腔注射联合激光光凝治疗糖尿病黄斑水肿的临床疗效及安全性。方法:收取2013年6月至2015年8月间我院收治的糖尿病黄斑水肿患者87例(87眼)作为研究对象,采用随机数字表法将其分为观察组及对照组,观察组43例(43眼)给予康柏西普玻璃体腔注射联合激光光凝治疗,对照组44例(44眼)给予单纯激光光凝治疗。对两组患者治疗前后视力(best corrected visual acuilty,BCVA)、视网膜厚度(central macular thickness,CMT)、临床疗效、并发症以及生活质量进行观察与比较。结果:治疗前两组患者BCVA、CMT均无显著差异,治疗后两组BCVA、CMT均有所提高,同时间点观察组明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组治疗后6个月视力提高率为81.40%,对照组为13.64%,观察组远高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组患者共有3例出现一过性眼压升高,对照组共有2例患者出现一过性眼压增高,两组相较无统计学差异(P0.05)。观察组生活质量显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:康柏西普玻璃体腔注射联合激光光凝治疗糖尿病黄斑水肿具有良好的疗效及安全性,有利于患者生活质量提高,值得临床推广应用。     

Prostaglandin E1 infusion therapy in dry age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE: The pilot study is intended to show whether prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusions are able to stop the gradual vision loss in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and, further, to stabilize or improve visual acuity. METHODS: With PGE1 infusions 11 patients with different forms of dry AMD were treated and compared with a control group of 10 untreated patients with dry AMD. The target parameter was the visual acuity, as determined with the ETDRS logMAR charts. Other examinations performed during the study were tests of contrast vision, colour vision and central visual fields, as well as autofluorescence and fluorescein angiography and multifocal electroretinography. RESULTS: On termination of the infusions, six patients showed an increase in visual acuity by at least one line, an improvement that was seen in eight patients 2 months after the end of the infusion therapy. After 6 months, one patient exhibited an improvement of visual acuity by three lines and three patients an improvement by one line. Five patients were found to show no change of their baseline acuity values after 6 months, while two patients exhibited an impairment by one line. The visual acuity in the dry AMD control group without PGE1 treatment had decreased by 0.8 lines on the average after 6 months. Contrast vision, central visual fields and the multifocal electroretinogram showed improvements on the termination of infusions and up to 2 months later; no substantial change of these parameters, as compared with the baseline findings, was seen 6 months after the termination of infusions. SUMMARY: This pilot study suggests that PGE1 infusions have a stabilizing or improving effect on the visual acuity of patients with dry AMD. Owing to the limitations of a pilot study, these results should, however, be validated in a larger, randomized and blinded study.