July 20, 2009 
A drug which could repair the vision of people with vitreomacular adhesion, eliminating the need for surgery, is being trialled by experts at Southampton General Hospital…
Andrew Lotery (picture), a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Southampton and consultant ophthalmologist in the hospital’s Eye Unit, has begun studying the effect of Microplasmin when directly injected into the eye of vitreomacular adhesion sufferers.
During the study researchers will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the experimental drug.
Initial clinical studies have confirmed that the injection could potentially tackle the condition effectively without the risks that are associated with surgery. It is also believed that the drug could also be used to treat a range of other sight conditions which lead to blindness.
The new trial marks the 500th study to take place since the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (WTCRF) was opened within the hospital in 2001.
Professor Lotery said: “Southampton Eye Unit has worked with Wellcome Trust research nurses in 24 studies over the last six years.
“This has led to significant research breakthroughs and many patients have had their sight saved by being enrolled in our studies. My research programme would not be possible without the WTCRF.”
Taken from: http://www.optometry.co.uk/