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In a new UK clinical trial, two patients have been the first to be treated with radiotherapy to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The trials were carried out at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. The radiotherapy is performed by a robotic instrument called IRay which is non-invasive. The robotic device uses low voltage radiation similar to a dental x-ray, and sees the patient sit at the machine with their chin on a chin rest.
Only one treatment is taken using the IRay, which can potentially reduce or eliminate the need for regular injections to treat the condition. During the procedure, a contact lens is placed on the surface of the patients eye, while the device tracks any eye movement via the lens and maintains stability, allowing a controlled dose of radiation to be delivered precisely into the eye. The researchers have worked alongside the developer of IRay, Oraya Therapeutics, to help make the device easier to use and to reduce treatments for patients and clinical staff. Technical support was provided by the United States. Both Manchester patients were delighted to have been given this novel therapy, which showed significant improvements to standard AMD care in earlier randomised studies.