Clinical Trials

Did you know that one of the largest research facilities in the country for treating Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy is right here in Boynton Beach?

Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute conducts nationwide clinical research studies year-round focusing on a variety of debilitating eye diseases and conditions. We have participated in, or are currently involved in studies focusing on treatments for dry and wet AMD, DME, RVO and dry eyes.

If you are a person suffering from a particular condition and would like to be considered as a potential participant in one of our upcoming clinical trials, or, if you are a physician who would like to refer a patient to us for a trial, please contact Study Coordinator Debbie Rankin at Florida Eye at (561) 737-5500.

Current Trial 1: Wet AMD

Wet AMD affects millions of Americans and, if left untreated, can cause permanent severe vision loss. The condition generally affects adults 50 and older.

What it is...

Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease marked by deterioration of tissue in the part of your eye responsible for central vision. The disease doesn’t cause total blindness, but it can greatly worsen a person’s quality of life, because clear central vision is necessary for reading, driving, recognizing faces and doing detail work.

There are two types of AMD – wet and dry. Florida Eye is currently conducting clinical trials for wet AMD. Led by Randy Katz, M.D., the Institute’s Retinal, Diabetic Retinopathy & Macular Degeneration Specialist, the treatment studies conducted thus far have shown very promising results for those affected with wet AMD.

According to Dr. Katz, who also serves as the Florida Diabetic Council’s Ophthalmologic Specialist (appointed by Governor Charlie Crist last year), getting annual eye exams through your optometrist or ophthalmologist is the best and only way to stay ahead of the disease, which can affect diabetics (types 1 and 2) and those 50 or older.

Some but not all symptoms may include…

• Visual distortions, such as straight lines appearing wavy or crooked, a doorway or street sign looking lopsided, or objects appearing smaller or farther away than they really are.
• Decreased central vision and/or decreased intensity or brightness of colors.
• Well-defined blurry spot or blind spot in vision field.
• Abrupt onset with no warning.
• Hallucinations (seeing nonexistent things, like unusual patterns, figures, faces, etc.).

If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, you may qualify for one of the clinical trials being conducted at Florida Eye. Upon examination, if you are found to qualify, there are absolutely no costs involved for study participants.

How to Participate

If you are exhibiting any of the above symptoms, you may qualify for one of the clinical trials being conducted at Florida Eye. Upon examination, if you are found to qualify, there are absolutely no costs involved for study participants. For more information please contact Debbie Rankin, study coordinator at 561-736-5055 or via email at drankin@fleyedocs.com.