Since Macular Degeneration or AMD is an incurable disease, there have been numerous experiments and tests conducted by researchers to halt or slow down the rate of its progression and vision loss caused by the disease. While most of the results have been disappointing, some of them may be actually helpful in the treatment of AMD.

The RHEO procedure, a type of blood filtration or apheresis, has been devised to treat dry AMD by removing certain substances in the blood plasma like Macro-proteins and fatty components in the blood, related to the development of AMD. The RHEO device is awaiting FDA approval.

A type of drug developed by Genentech, called Avastin is thought to be effective in treating AMD. The drug is administered intravenously and it targets a certain type of protein which may be instrumental in the development of AMD. Some results show improved vision in AMD patients within one week of administering the drug.

In May 2005, Dr. Muna Naash, University of Oklahoma, in collaboration with the biotechnology company Copernicus Therapeutics, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio, demonstrated that compacted DNA nanoparticles (CDN) may be a highly effective mechanism for the delivery of healthy genes to the eyes of people afflicted with Macular degeneration.

Iridex officials announced at the Macula Society Meeting in Key Biscayne, Florida in February 2005 that an experimental treatment developed by the company, known as Transpupillary Thermotherapy (TTT), that utilizes an infrared laser combined with drug treatment, appeared to be effective in treating certain AMD patients with more severe vision loss.

Development of other experimental drugs is also in progress. Retaane by Alcon, squalamine lactate by Genaera Corp. and combretastatin by OXiGENE are some of the more promising drugs that may be instrumental in arresting the development of abnormal cells in the eye.