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An Internationally Recognized Leader in the Treatment of Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The Center for Macular Degeneration at NRI brings our advanced, innovative multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of this important disease.

New techniques being implemented at the Center for Macular Degeneration include improved computerized imaging of the blood vessels under the macula, which are thinning in the case of dry macular degeneration (dry-AMD), or leaking into the eyes as happens with wet macular degeneration (wet-AMD). New imaging equipment can also evaluate the structure of the retina so that precisely targeted intervention can take place using a tiny laser beam or a photodynamic treatment employing a drug (Visudyne®) that accumulates in the leaking blood vessels and is then activated by a low power laser. Steroids injected in or around the eye can also reduce the swelling of the retina caused by leaking blood vessels. NRI is at the forefront in conducting clinical trials of a new generation of drugs that are now coming online and are expected to be more effective in certain situations.

These drugs, such as Lucentis®, Avastin® and Macugen®, are known as anti-VEGF medications and act to decrease or eliminate the growth of abnormal blood vessels which are responsible for retina damage in wet AMD. Physicians at NRI are participating in ongoing research to find new targets for drugs in the fight against wet age related macular degeneration.

The exciting new field of proteomics also offers promise in combating the effects of macular degeneration. By detecting the proteins that change the cellular growth of the disease, researchers believe that a more "individualized" treatment plan can be instituted that will result in a targeted, more effective, treatment plan for each patient. NRI physicians are at the forefront of this cutting edge biotechnology that holds great promise for the future.

Our Vision Rehabilitation Program has world leaders in occupational and rehabilitation ophthalmology working to bring the latest technology to our patients. In addition, they are involved in ground-breaking research designed to develop new and more effective methods for  our patients to improve on their vision.

While there is yet no "cure" for age-related macular degeneration, each day, NRI doctors are becoming more successful at employing advanced imaging, as well as laser and drug therapies, to greatly reduce the vision loss accompanied by the disease. Their efforts in the management of macular degeneration have been recognized by their peers internationally. A combined effort of research, treatment and the follow-up services of a caring staff to help patients to function again has helped thousands to lead a better quality of life.