Australia starts AMD laser trial

Trials of a new retinal rejuvenation treatment at the Centre for Eye Research Australia in Melbourne are ready to move to the next phase.

Using the Australian-designed and built Ellex 2RT laser, the treatment fires nanosecond pulses of energy to stimulate tissue surrounding atrophy in an effort to halt or slow progression of degeneration.

Lead investigator Professor Robyn Guymer, who conducted a pilot study of the nanosecond laser in 2010-12, said: 'The results were encouraging so we have decided to conduct a much larger proof of principle randomised trial.'

Researchers are seeking volunteers in Melbourne and Sydney with early-stage AMD for the next phase. Trials will begin outside Australia in 2013, including Moorfields, St Thomas' and the London Eye Hospital (Optician 23.11.12).