Solving Sight #3; Current Treatments for Visual Disorders: What Medicine Can (and Can’t) Do Today
- inquiryneuronet
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Introduction
Hello!! Welcome or welcome back to part 3, (the final part) of the Solving Sight series!! Today we are going to talk about cures/treatments for the visual disorders we talked about in Solving Sight #2! If you haven’t read Part 1 or Part 2 yet, I highly recommend reading them now, to get the most information possible. In all, I hope you guys enjoy this article and have learned a lot from this series!
As we talked about, visual disorders affect millions of people worldwide and range from inherited retinal diseases to age-related degeneration and neurological conditions. While many of these conditions still have no cure, modern medicine has made meaningful progress in slowing disease progression, preserving remaining vision, and restoring some visual function.
Now, let’s talk about the treatments and cures for these major visual disorders!
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
Reminder Definition: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders that cause progressive vision loss due to degeneration of photoreceptor cells.
At present, there isn’t for RP, but several treatment strategies aim to slow progression or partially restore function.
Current and Emerging Treatments
Vitamin A supplementsVitamin A has been used to slow the progression of RP in some patients, however the dosage is often monitored due to potential toxicity.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that may help slow the rate of vision loss. Research suggests modest benefits, particularly when combined with vitamin A.
Cataract extraction (surgical)Cataracts can develop in later stages of RP. A cataract surgery improves clarity, however it is risky, especially since cataracts are not the underlying cause of RP. This surgery could potentially cause damage to the already sensitive retina.
Retinal prosthesis (artificial retina)Retinal prostheses are experimental devices designed to stimulate remaining retinal cells using implanted technology.
The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System was FDA-approved for adults aged 25 and older with advanced RP.
It doesn’t restore normal vision, but improves the ability to detect light, movement, shapes, and basic images.
The system includes a camera mounted on eyeglasses, a video processing unit (VPU), and an implanted retinal device that receives wireless signals.
About one-third of patients experienced severe side effects, and due to significant risk factors, the system has not been upgraded since 2020.
Gene therapy: Gene therapy aims to replace or repair defective genes responsible for RP.
Most therapies remain in clinical trials, with promising results in animal models.
One FDA-approved gene therapy exists for RP caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene.
Some patients experience partial vision recovery.
Research institutions are continuing to explore promising long-term solutions.
Macular Degeneration
Reminder Definition: Macular degeneration affects the central portion of the retina and is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Treatment depends on whether the condition is dry or wet.
Dry Macular Degeneration
There is currently no cure for dry macular degeneration, but progression can often be slowed.
Antioxidant vitaminsSpecific vitamin formulations may reduce the risk of progression in certain patients.
Lifestyle changesA healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking are strongly recommended.
Pegcetacoplan (Syfovre)An injectable medication designed to slow geographic atrophy, a late-stage form of dry macular degeneration.
Avacincaptad Pegol (IZERVAY™)This drug blocks the C5 protein, which contributes to retinal cell damage. It has been shown to slow disease progression in dry macular degeneration.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration has more treatment options, and some patients experience vision improvement.
Anti-VEGF injections (every 4–6 weeks):
Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
Aflibercept (Eylea)
Brolucizumab (Beovu)
Faricimab-svoa (Vabysmo)
These medications reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage, allowing vision to stabilize or improve.
Photodynamic therapyA medication injected into the arm travels to the eye and is activated with a laser to close abnormal blood vessels. This treatment is done as many times as needed.
PhotocoagulationA high-energy laser seals leaking blood vessels. This method is less commonly used due to the risk of scarring and damage to surrounding tissue.
Glaucoma
Reminder Definition: Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure. Early treatment is critical to prevent permanent vision loss.
Treatment Options
Prescription eye drops (often first-line treatment)
Prostaglandins: increase fluid outflow
Beta blockers: reduce fluid production
Rho kinase inhibitors: reduce pressure by affecting fluid dynamics
Oral medicationsUsed when eye drops are insufficient.
Laser therapyImproves drainage of fluid where the iris and cornea meet.
Filtering surgeryCreates a new drainage opening in the sclera.
Drainage tubesSmall implants that help fluid exit the eye and lower pressure.
Cataracts
Reminder Definition: Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens and are extremely common with aging.
Cataract surgeryThe standard and highly effective treatment involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. This procedure has a high success rate and often restores vision fully.
Visual Aphasia
Reminder Definition: Visual aphasia affects the ability to interpret or communicate visual information, often due to neurological injury.
Visual Action Therapy (VAT)VAT is a nonverbal therapy that uses gestures to represent objects and actions.
Patients learn to communicate using gestures when verbal or visual recognition is impaired.
Therapy improves functional communication and comprehension, particularly in individuals with severe visual-language deficits.
Conclusion
While many visual disorders still lack definitive cures, advances in medical technology, pharmaceuticals, surgery, and gene therapy are steadily expanding treatment options. Early diagnosis, individualized care, and continued research are key to preserving vision and improving quality of life for those affected by visual disorders.
As research progresses, especially in gene therapy and retinal prosthetics, the future holds cautious but real hope for conditions once thought entirely untreatable. Thanks for reading all of the Solving Sight series!!! I can’t wait to show you guys the article we have coming up next! It’s so exciting! As always, here is our neuroscience joke to end this blog post!
Q: Why did the phone wear glasses?
A: He’d lost all of his contacts.
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