Retina

Slowing AMD With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Bonnielin K. Swenor and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, analyzed data from 2,520 adults aged 65 to 84 who underwent eye exams and completed detailed dietary questionnaires. “Current research indicates that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of late AMD in some patients,” said Swenor, reporting on his study.  Fifteen percent were found to have early- or intermediate-stage AMD, while just under 3 percent were in the advanced stage of the disease.

New Tool in Gene Therapy Arsenal

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine and the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts have discovered a new way to transfer DNA, thus safely protecting cells from retinal degeneration. A peptide called PEG-POD is the vehicle for therapeutic gene delivery.

Retinal Implants

The International Symposium on Artificial Retinal Prosthesis (September, 2009) demonstrated various methods of implanting chips to provide vision.  A German study indicated that some patients were able to read letters eight centimeters high.  In one of the systems, a chip, implanted under the cells of the retina, converts light to electrical signals, which are sent to the retinal nerve cells.  Two other German researchers place a camera into eyeglasses, which then conveys data to the chip, which converts it to electrcal impulses that are then sent to the retinal nerves.

Stopping AMD at the Molecular Level

Researchers at the University College London report that for the first time that they have discovered how a common blood protein is involved in inflammation and damage to the eye. They studied two proteins involved in drusen formation. Uncontrolled C-reactive protein activity causes damage to the retina and the debris of broken up retinal cells is deposited as drusen.  C-reactive protein prevents Factor H from clumping and initiating drusen formation.

Funding for Retinitis Pigmentosa and AMD Research at Harvard Medical School

Schepens Eye Institute at Harvard Medical School received an unrestricted grant to develop human retinal cell based therapies for eye diseases.  Although the initial focus is on retinitis pigmentosa, the program will have applications for age-related macular degeneration as well.

Stem Cells and AMD

Research at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland showed that putting stem cells near the retinas of rats, that had a form of macular degeneration, helped delay the disease.  Ray Lund, researcher, said that he suspects that when immature nerve cells are placed near the retina, they produce growth factors that protect the cells from damage.  This may protect some people from developing wet AMD as well.

Vitamin B and AMD

A seven year study of 5,200 women showed that daily B vitamin supplements could lower the odds of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women.  4l% of the participants taking the B vitamins were less likely to develop the disease.

SEE FULL STORY

Green Tea and Eye Health

Green tea contains catechins, an antioxidant.  Researchers at Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Kowloon, found that the retina absorbed these catechins and reduced harmful oxidative stress in the eye.

SEE FULL STORY

Saffron and AMD

Saffron can improve the function of the retina in patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a team of scientists from Italy and Australia.  At a conference in Sydney, Australia, Professor Bisti, from the Unversity of L’Aquila, and Professor Falsini, from Catholic University in Rome, reported their research findings.

Fundus

Submitted by Vishnu on Thu, 2010-07-29 14:11

In ophthalmology, the fundus describes the back interior surface of the eye, opposite the lens, and includes the anatomical structures of the retina, optic disc, macula and fovea.

Syndicate content