Clinical Trials

Emory Eye Center physicians are involved in ongoing clinical trials and studies for the treatment of eye disorders and diseases. Being part of a major medical center allows access to collaborative studies not otherwise possible.

Information on current clinical trials in the following specialties:

• Cornea
• Glaucoma
• Low Vision
• Clinical Eye Pathology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Retina

For more information on clinical trials at Emory Eye Center or other locations, go to: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/

AREDS 2: New Nationwide Study Evaluates Effect of Antioxidants and Fish Oil

Emory is participating in an NEI study to determine whether a modified combination of vitamins, minerals and fish oil can slow the progression of vision loss from AMD. The study will build on results released in the 2001 Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) at Emory and 10 other sites, that found high-dose antioxidant vitamins and minerals—vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper—taken by mouth, reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD by 25% and the risk of moderate vision loss by 19%.

In the AREDS study, it was found that a combination of vitamins and minerals effectively slowed the progression of AMD for some people. Now, we are conducting a more precisely-targeted study to see if the new combination of nutrients can reduce AMD progression even further. This study may help people at high risk for advanced AMD maintain useful vision for a longer time.

CATT— Emory lead center

Emory Eye Center is leading the country in a groundbreaking trial to compare two drugs used to treat age-related macular degeneration.

The drugs, both made by Genentech, will go head-to-head to test their effectiveness. Avastin, first developed for cancer treatment, has been used “off label” by ophthalmologists who know that it helps inhibit the abnormal growth of blood vessels in AMD.

Lucentis, developed later for ophthalmic use only and FDA approved in 2006, is chemically similar, but not identical. While Avastin costs $50 per dose, Lucentis costs $2,000.

Retinal specialist Baker Hubbard is leading the Emory trial.