StereoTactic radiotherapy for wet Age-Related macular degeneration (STAR)

This study is open to men and women aged 50 and over who have wet AMD in at least one eye and currently need eye injections. To qualify, you must have already had at least three eye injections for your wet AMD, with at least one given in the last three months, and your eye specialist must see signs that your condition is currently active.

You might not be able to take part if you have severe scarring in the centre of your retina, or if your vision in the affected eye has already dropped below a specific level. The trial also excludes people with unusually small or large eye shapes, or those who cannot wear a contact lens during the procedure.

If you take part in the STAR study, you will be placed at random into one of two groups. One group receives the actual stereotactic radiation treatment, while the other group receives a harmless simulated (placebo) treatment that feels similar. Neither you nor your regular eye doctor will know which group you are in.

The study lasts for four years. During the first two years, you will attend regular hospital appointments for eye checks, scans, and standard injections (such as Lucentis) whenever your eye shows signs of active fluid. In years three and four, you will have fewer visits, focused on long-term safety and vision checks.