SAN FRANCISCO, March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A
recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights
concerns that the American Academy of Ophthalmology has previously
expressed regarding stem cell therapy for diseases of the
retina.
In June 2016 the Academy
issued clinical guidance that covers the appropriate use of
stem cell therapy in eye care. An article co-authored
by the Academy's Chief Executive Officer in the November issue of
the Academy's journal Ophthalmology highlights the
dangers of unapproved trials, the need for appropriate oversight,
and the risk to patients looking for a transformative
cure.
The Academy has called on both the National Institutes of Health
and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take steps to better
ensure public safety associated with treatments outside of
FDA-approved clinical trials. Good research is being
performed under FDA-approved trials by innovative
clinician-scientists and tragedy associated with non-approved use
of stem cells threatens the conduct and impact of this high-quality
science.
The public and patients can learn more about stem cells and
eye care by visiting the Academy's
EyeSmart® public education website. EyeSmart is the
leading online source for ophthalmic information. The content is
written and approved by Academy member eye physicians and
surgeons.
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The
American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world's largest
association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of
32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by
setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for
our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession
and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our
EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most
trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit
aao.org.
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SOURCE American Academy of Ophthalmology