The Retina Foundation of the Southwest is undertaking a new study to understand how certain nutrients in food impact eye and brain development in toddlers. Our researchers are exploring what level of daily intake of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) is needed during the 12-36 month age range that will ensure proper visual and brain development. Contact ycastane@retinafoundation.org to enroll your child before their first birthday.
Observational study of visual development in children with small, partial, or developmental cataracts to develop criteria for surgical decision-making
Long-term visual, cognitive, and growth outcomes and LCP-supplementation of infant formula
Development of allergy or asthma during the first 7 years of life in children who were fed LCP-supplemented infant formula
Sensory and cognitive outcomes following strabismus surgery in adults
Suppression and recovery from suppression following treatment of amblyopia
Age-Related Macular Degneration
A phase II study of implants of encapsulated human NTC-201 cells releasing ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in participants with geographic atrophy due to macular degeneration using visual acuity as the primary outcome. CNTF is a potent protective factor for retinal neurons, but until recently, there has been no way to provide slow steady release to the human retina. The drug cannot be taken orally because it is too big to cross the blood-retinal barrier. We are using a sustained-release capsule containing human retinal epithelial cells which have been genetically-transfected to produce CNTF. This study is attempting to determine whether sustained CNTF for 1 year prevents progression in eyes with geographic atrophy due to AMD.
Visual Cycle Modulators (VCM) are designed to prevent or inhibit the generation of toxic by-products of the eye's visual cycle. In a multi-center randomized trial with Acucela, Inc., the Retina Foundation of the Southwest is evaluating VCMs in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
A Phase II Clinical Trial to investigate the effectiveness and safety of high dose docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in early-stage X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. This 4-year prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial has enrolled 64 male patients (age 7-32 y) from across the U.S. and Canada. Patient enrollment is complete. The study is designed to test whether the nutritional intervention will slow the loss of visual function associated with this degenerative disease and thus, provide an extended period of usable vision. This trial is a collaborative venture between Retina Foundation researchers (Hoffman, Birch, & Wheaton) and retinal specialists (Fish & Spencer) at Texas Retina Associates. The project is funded, in part by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Martek Biosciences, and the Foundation Fighting Blindness. A detailed description of the trial is posted on the U.S. government’s ClinicalTrials.gov website at: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00100230?order=2.
Argus™ II retinal implant system by Second Sight feasibility protocol attempting to provide visual stimulation by implanting an artificial chip in patients with end stage retinitis pigmentosa. Artificial retinas have evolved to the point where it is time to carefully assess the benefits that they can provide to blind patients. The Argus system involves 60 electrodes placed on the retinal surface to “replace” degenerate photoreceptors. We are working extensively with a small number of blind patients to optimize the stimulation for each individual.
The Retina Foundation of the Southwest will be one of three sites where a clinical study related to autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) will be conducted. The study will determine the impact of valproic acid in halting vision loss. Preliminary results reported by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School have been impressive. "We are extremely pleased to be one of the centers involved in this clinical trial and are hopeful about what we may learn about valproic acid's application and potential for treating adRP," said Dr. David Birch, Chief Scientific and Executive Officer of the Retina Foundation.
A phase II study of implants of encapsulated human NTC-201 cells releasing ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in participants with advanced retinitis pigmentosa using visual acuity as the primary outcome. As a potent protective agent, CNTF has been shown to prevent retinal degeneration in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa. In this trial, we are attempting to improve ventral vision in patients with fairly advanced retinitis pigmentosa.
A phase II study of implants of encapsulated human NTC-201 cells releasing ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in participants with retinitis pigmentosa using visual field sensitivity as the primary outcome. Using the same rationale as above, we are attempting to slow the constriction of visual field loss in young patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Patients have the encapsulated CNTF cells implanted in one eye, with the fellow eye serving as a control.
