AHAF Funds AMD Research

The American Health Assistance Foundation funds research into Macular Degenration, its causes and possible cure.

Read about the current  research projects AHAF is underwriting.

http://www.ahaf.org/research/grants/mdrcurrentawards.html

Watch a video on AMD by AHAF Vice President, Dr. Guy Eakin.

http://www.ahaf.org/macular/resources/audiovideo.html

LVATUG Goes World Wide

When we first created this blog, it was to serve the Low Vision community of the North Carolina Triangle area. Thanks to the Internet and WordPress, we have reached the entire world. Here is a list of countries that have viewed us so far.

United States

India

Canada

United Kingdom

Turkey

Australia

Russian Federation

Czech Republic

Germany

Ireland

Thailand

Trinidad and Tobago

Saudi Arabia

Serbia

Iraq

Singapore

Hong Kong

Israel

Brazil

Italy

Hungary

Romania

France

Morocco

South Africa

Indonesia

Belgium

Spain

Pakistan

Switzerland

Guatemala

Egypt

Breakthrough in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

In what could potentially lead to a novel therapy for one of the common forms of blindness, scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that a part of the immune system called the infllamosome is involved in regulating the development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). They have discovered that by controlling an inflammatory component IL-18, in cases of AMD could prevent the development of the disease.

The scientists at Trinity, Dr Sarah Doyle and Dr. Mathew Campbell have discovered that drusen can lead to two inflammatory components named IL- 1beta and IL-18.

“Traditionally, inflammation in the retina or indeed the eye in general is not beneficial and is a pathological hallmark of many eye diseases, including AMD. However we have identified, that one inflammatory component termed IL-18 acts as a so-called anti-angiogenic factor, preventing the progression of wet AMD” said Dr. Campbell.

The results of the study indicate that by controlling the levels of IL-18, in the patients with the dry form of the disease could prevent the development of the wet form of the disease. Dr Doyle is positive that this research could pave way for new treatments for this disease.

US has about 1.8 million 40 years or older that are affected by AMD and an additional 7.3 million with large drusen are at risk of developing AMD. By 2020, US will have about 2.90 million people with AMD.

The research was published in the international medical journal Nature Medicine.

More Info:

http://www.medicaldaily.com/news/20120410/9474/blindness-age-related-macular-degeneration-amd-therapy.htm

http://topnews.us/content/247576-drug-prevent-advance-age-related-macular-degeneration

 

RFB&D is now Learning Ally!

This entry is posted by Lauren Tappan:

Learning Ally, formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic^®, a nonprofit volunteer organization, is the nation’s largest educational lending-library serving people who cannot effectively read standard print because of visual impairment, dyslexia or other physical disability.

Memberships cost $99 per year.

http://www.learningally.org/Training-Support/Frequently-Asked-Questions/About-Learning-Ally/47/

You should also check out the free NC Library for the Blind.

http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/lbph/

The NCLBPH offers a wide range of books and magazines. The same book and magazine titles found most other public libraries are available for loan. Materials are in large print, braille, or audio formats. The audio materials are either cassette tapes or digital cartridges. Patrons may read one or more formats of their choice. The cassette tapes are recorded at slower speed than commercially available tapes. Thus, the library also loans specially designed cassette players to patrons who request tape service. Special accessories for the cassette players, such as remote controls, breathe switches, and extension levers, are available to those who need them to use the players. Amplifiers are also available; however, require a separate application signed by a doctor that goes to the National Library Service to be filled. The NCLBPH repairs, at no cost, the tape and digital machines loaned to patrons. A toll-free telephone line for use throughout North Carolina is also offered for book requests, quick service and to answer any questions you might have about the service (1-888-388-2460). The Friends of the NCLBPH’s library newsletter,Tar Heel Talk, is provided quarterly to patrons and is available in all formats.

 

Eylea approved to treat wet age-related macular degeneration

Eylea (aflibercept)has been approved by the FDA to treat patients with wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans ages 60 and older by gradually destroys a person’s sharp, central vision. It affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows people to see fine detail needed to do daily tasks such as reading and driving, as well as being able to read or recognize people’s faces.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Eylea approved to treat wet age-related macular degeneration – Hartford wellness | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/wellness-in-hartford/eylea-approved-to-treat-wet-age-related-macular-degeneration#ixzz1fi2V8QxC

Study Shows Zeaxanthin Improves Vision in Elderly

The Zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zan-thin) and Visual Function Study (ZVF), conducted by eye nutrition pioneer Stuart Richer, PhD, OD at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Chicago, shows scientific evidence that dietary Zeaxanthin improved vision in night driving and fine detail, among others.
The ZVF Study followed 60 elderly veterans with early Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) over a 12-month period that consumed 8 mg of dietary Zeaxanthin daily, showed improvement in the ability to drive at night, recognition of fine detail – an average improvement of 1.5 lines or 8.5 letters on an eye chart, and the disappearance of blind spots.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/11/10/4044530/study-shows-zeaxanthin-improves.html#ixzz1dn2MQYyF

Stem Cell Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa

A young Romanian woman named Lydia was disappointed when conventional medicine gave her no hope in treatment of her retinitis pigmentosa. However, Dr. Omar Gonzalez of the Integra Medical Center, located in Mexico, has offered her hope as well as hope for other individuals diagnosed with vision problems including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Dr. Omar Gonzalez has devised a stem cell treatment offering an alternative to conventional treatments for the disease. Dr. Gonzalez has designed a proprietary method that involves injection of stem cells behind the eye. Through such procedures, nearly 80% of individuals experienced slowing of the disease process, and approximately 60% have noticed an increase in their peripheral vision. None of the patients treated for retinitis pigmentosa at Integra Medical Center experienced post-treatment side effects, and defined any discomfort to merely “minimal” for up to 12 hours following the injection.

Within 30 minutes following the treatment, Lydia, who previously could hardly see four feet in front of her, could define shapes, people and even the color of their clothing. Lydia finally feels that she has some hope, not only to see her family members, but also to become more self-sufficient and less reliant on others to do things for her.

For more info:

http://www.placidway.com/article/717/Stem_Cell_Therapy_for_Retinitis_Pigmentosa

 

Macular Degeneration: Hot Topics in Treatment

Watch this video on AMD from

American Academy of Ophthalmology 2011

by Diana Do, MD; Julia A. Haller, MD

To watch video,  http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/752736

 

 

Vascular Treatment to Prevent Progression of Dry AMD

The progressive disease occurs in the dry or early (non-exudative) form and the wet or late (exudative) form. Approximately 30 million people have AMD; 90% of those afflicted have the dry form, for which there is no approved treatment.

Dr. George Chiou determined the way to prevent the progression of dry AMD to wet AMD was to develop formulations that could restore choroidal blood flow, thus returning the natural process of nutrient and waste exchange and stabilization of the Bruch’s Membrane.

MacuCLEAR, Inc. (Plano, Texas) completed a Phase 1b/POC study of a topical agent, MC 1101, that significantly improved choroidal blood flow in eyes affected by AMD.

For more info:

http://www.dddmag.com/article-Vascular-Treatment-to-Prevent-Progression-of-Dry-AMD-11411.aspx

Walking Reduces Risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration

Recent research out of the University of Wisconsin is confirming that walking regularly assists in the prevention of the disease. TrekDesk treadmill desks get people out of their chairs and moving again which will reduce their odds of developing ARMD.

Women who were the most active registered a 54% lower risk of ARMD. Those who were most active and ate a healthy diet had a 71% decreased risk of developing ARMD. Mares and her colleagues believe that walking and proper diet contributed to reductions in blood pressure, inflammation and oxidative damage which would contribute to the preventative results.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/10/prweb8919604.htm