Boothe Eye Care: Microneedles May Improve Targeted Ophthalmologic Treatments

NEW YORK, NY, August 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) MedicalXpress.com reports that researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and at Emory University have utilized microneedles to insert medication into difficult to reach places of the eye in an animal model. The study aimed at injecting the particles into the suprachoroidal space, which acts as a passageway to the sclera and into the back of the eye. Minimally-invasive, this treatment delivery technique could improve upon current methods. Boothe Eye Care, an ophthalmology office in Plano, Texas, encourages such research and is excited to see new developments in treatment techniques.

The study, which was supported by the National Eye Institute and Research to Prevent Blindness, was originally published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Samirkumar Patel, who led the study and is a postdoctoral researcher at Georgia Tech, as well as the Director of Research for Clearside Biomedical, believes that the study showcases the value that the suprachoroidal space holds in terms of receiving medications and microparticles.

"This research could lead to a simple and safe procedure that offers doctors a better way to target drugs to specific locations in the eye," asserts Patel. "The design and simplicity of the microneedle device may make it more likely to be used in the clinic as a way to administer drug formulations into the suprachoroidal space that surrounds the eye."

Ultimately, Patel believes that this technique could result in the utilization of timed-release drugs, which would reduce the number of injections necessary for the treatment of chronic diseases.

Dr. William Boothe, of Boothe Eye Care, believes that this study may change the way that ophthalmologists treat certain conditions. "I am delighted about this study's results," asserts Dr. Boothe, "because it indicates two things. First, it holds the potential for me to, in the future, use a simpler, more convenient treatment method for my patients. As a healthcare professional, I am devoted to the care of my patients. This means that I am constantly looking for new technology and medical procedures that will allow me to treat them in a faster, more effective manner. Second, it demonstrates the fact that scientific curiosity is alive and well. Researchers are continually trying to pinpoint better ways to treat patients--and this is what drives positive change in the medical field."

ABOUT:

Boothe Eye Care is an ophthalmologic practice run by Dr. William Boothe. Through excellent patient care and a staff of highly experienced and knowledgeable healthcare providers, Boothe Eye Care provides general and specialized treatment customized to the needs of individual patients. In particular, Boothe Eye Care offers detection and treatment of conditions related to the cornea. Dr. Boothe has, over the course of his career, performed over 130,000 LASIK procedures, making Boothe Eye Care the leading LASIK office in the field. As an important part of the local community, this practice provides invaluable care to patients throughout Plano, Texas.

Website: http://bootheeyecare.com