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In 2005, Caroline Tate of Charlotte was diagnosed with a form of macular degeneration, an age-related condition that caused her mother to go blind years earlier. Hoping to avoid that fate, the retired clinical research nurse began laser treatments, which failed to halt progress of the disease. Then, Tate agreed to participate in trials for a drug treatment called Lucentis.
The Observer profiled her experience as a test subject in 2006, including the fact that each treatment called for getting an injection in her eye.
The result? The drug appeared to be stopping progress of the disease, and her vision improved.
Tate, 67, recently spoke with reporter Mark Price about her health and her outlook.
Q. How's your vision now?
It's excellent. I've always had to wear glasses and will still wear them. My central vision in my right eye has a small area that is gray, due to laser damage. Laser treatments (for the disease) did more damage than good, but that's the chance you had to take in those days. … With Lucentis, my vision kept getting a little better over time, but it took two years before the doctor could tell me there was no active disease in either eye. When he finally did tell me, I had to ask him to repeat the words. I didn't tell my family for a week.
Q. Is the danger over?
The disease is active again. I found out last month. They were doing a routine monthly maintenance on me … and they told me there was fluid in my eye. I knew it before they told me, because I couldn't see as well (during the eye test) as I could before.
Q. How did you react when they told you it was back?
Nothing. The disease has come back before (while she has been taking Lucentis). I just hope the Lucentis will work again. I have no real vision loss from it coming back. It's like cancer: If we can keep it contained, keep it in remission, basically I'll keep my sight.
Q. Are you still getting injections in the eye? That's just so wrong!
I've never stopped treatment for 3 1/2 years. It's every five to six weeks. The first time, I was terrified. I thought it would hurt so badly and it did not, because (the doctor) gave me an injection before the shot, a topical anesthetic. …
I've had about 100 injections. I don't really see it coming at my eye, because (the doctor) tells you to look at his chin, and then he brings the shot in from the other direction. I say, “Thank you, God” that they have these injections. I thank my doctor, Dr. Andrew Antoszyk, and I thank the team for restoring my vision. It's such a gift to be able to see again.
Q. How about the cost?
The cost is huge. It's $2,200 a shot. … I have insurance, and I have Medicare, and I'm covered. For how long, I don't know. … When I was doing it as part of clinical research, there was no cost. I guess I was part of the study six months.
Q. When you thought you were going blind, what did you fear missing most?
Not being able to see my grandchildren's faces. … I have six. I'm never able to get in enough time with them. My life is such a blessing. I'm loving every minute.
Mark Price: 704-358-5245;
msprice@charlotteobserver.com.
