More on Hyberbarics and RP

Below is a link to an article that discusses some research done in various countries on RP and hyperbarics. What I found interesting is that hyperbarics actually constricts the retinal vasculature. However, it is hypothesized that, even with this constriction, the oxygenation is so increased that positive results occur.

Now, I wonder if these people who experienced such dramatic results with the HBOT maintained their results? Also, what if someone combined the use of vasodilating drugs with HBOT therapy? Not only would the retina receive more oxygen rich blood, there would not be a corresponding constriction of the vessels leading to the retina. Or, if there was a correponding constriction, it would be from a dilated versus normal state thus allowing more highly oxygenated blood to the retina. I wonder if vasodilators are ever contraindicated for HBOT therapy?

Now, what if someone provided a stem cell source, preferably via IOC, directly to the eye to a patient on a therapeutic, long term dose of a vasodilating drug. Then, that same patient could maximize the oxygenation of the blood to the retina with the HBOT treatment after receiving the stem cell therapy, using cells derived from the patients own bone marrow to avoid an immune response....hmmm

If the IOC delivery is too intimidating without a gazillion dollars and twenty years, maybe a systemic IV delivery similar to what is being done currently in Argentina with strong documentation in a variety of degenerative conditions.

Just a thought.

http://scuba-doc.com/diveye.htm

Acetazolamide and RP- Case Study

en, J. C.
Articles by Bird, A. C.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Vol 31, 1914-1918, Copyright © 1990 by Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
ARTICLES AND REPORTS
Long-term effect of acetazolamide in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa
JC Chen, FW Fitzke and AC Bird Department of Clinical Ophthalmology, University of London, England.
The authors studied the therapeutic effect of acetazolamide on a patient with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa complicated by retinal edema. In addition to reduction of macular edema and some improvement of central vision, they found an unexpected progressive increase in extrafoveal retinal sensitivity with prolonged medication. It is proposed that the therapeutic effect is mediated by alteration of retinal pigment epithelial function and that disturbed polarity is restored to a more normal state.
This article has been cited by other articles: (Search Google Scholar for Other Citing Articles)

Regeneration of RPE Cells

This article discusses RPE (retinal pigment epithelium) and its' ability to regenerate.

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~blindworld2/MEDICAL/6-06-08-01.htm

Debate on ECHO Therapy

Below is a link to a debate on the Foundation Fighting Blindness' message board regarding Dr. Nolan and his ECHO therapy. I will do more research on this and let you know what I find.

http://www.blindness.org/msgboard/viewMessage.asp?cat=5&msg=24548&start=1

Another Article about Dr. Nolan and ECHO

This is another article about Dr. Gerard Nolan and ECHO therapy.

http://www.stargardts-au.org/main/HendersonvilleTimes.htm

Article on Stem Cell Procedure

Attached is an article about a man who had a stem cell operation and regained lost vision. I am assuming he had some sort of corneal operation, not one involving the retina.

Anyway, I think his perspective on blindness is an interesting one. It seems like many of the most well-adjusted blind people I know have been blind since birth or early childhood.

I think his message of not "waiting on a miracle operation" to live life is an excellent one. However, do not be confused. I think it is possible to live a full life as well as fight and try to maintain or regain vision. It is a perspective that emailers bring up to me from time to time, so I thought I would share. I think it will be a great day when blindness is a choice.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/09/03/earlyshow/living/main571462.shtml

Overview of Stem Cell Research for Retinal Disease

Below is a link to a broad overview of promising stem cell research as it relates to retinal disease. It is very readable.

http://www.mdsupport.org/library/7years.html

I think it is interesting that Mr. Roberts points out that these treatments are simply treatments and not a cure. Does anyone actually expect a cure? I think of major chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, arhritis, etc.. Not one has a cure. Many are treatable, but none cured.

Anyway, the article is a quick read. Check it out.