Macula

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.

Gene Therapy Cures Color Blindness- AMD Next?

Gene therapy has cured color blindness in monkeys, say researchers from the University of Washington and the University of Florida College of Medicine. They have shown that they can safely cure a cone disease in a primate. Five weeks after the genes were transferred by a harmless adeno-associated virus, the monkeys began to acquire color vision. Potentially, this could help AMD by rescuing targeted cone cells.

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New Genes Associated With AMD Identified

Three new genes, associated with AMD, have been identified in a large National Eye Institute study. The study sheds light on a biological pathway for AMD development involving cholesterol. Since it is believed that early AMD is affected by an accumulation of oxidation products of cholesterol and other lipids in the retinal pigment epithelium, studying these genetic variations and their biochemical pathway may lead to future AMD treatments.

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Cataract Surgery and AMD

The AREDS study, funded by the National Eye Institute, showed that cataract surgery improved vision in AMD patients. 1,939 eyes were evaluated for visual acuity after cataract surgery. After one year, the 865 eyes that were still available for study, showed significant statistical gains.

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B Vitamins Could Lower Risk of AMD For Women

B vitamins could lower the risk of AMD, according to a study of 5,442 women age 40 and over.  Daily supplementation showed that these women were 41% less likely to develop macular degeneration.  They were followed up for seven years.

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Trans Fats May Increase Macular Degeneration Risk

Trans Fats may increase macular degeneration risk.  A recent Australian study checked macula photographs of 6,734 participants’ eyes for signs of early and late AMD.  Late AMD risk was higher in people who ate a lot of trans-unsaturated fats (hardened fats).  Fatty acids and olive oil seemed to reduce the risk of AMD.

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AMD and Trans Fats

A study of 6,734 participants, as reported in Archives of Ophthalmology, showed that late AMD (age related macular degeneration) risk was higher in people who ate a lot of trans-unsaturated fats. Fatty acids and olive oil seemed to reduce the risk of AMD. Fish, butter, and margarine did not show significant associations with AMD.

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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.

Implanted Telescope for End-Stage AMD Approved

A new device for people who have blind spots associated with end-stage AMD has been approved by the FDA (July 6, 2010). The tiny telescope is implanted in the eye, magnifiying an image more than two times. As a condition of approval, California-based VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies will conduct two follow-up studies of the device.

Macula

Submitted by Vishnu on Tue, 2010-07-27 13:27

At the back of the eye, directly in line with the pupil, is an area of the retina called the macula. In the center of the macula is an indentation called the fovea that is packed with cones, cells that require high levels of light in order to function. As light enters the eye through the pupil, it is concentrated into the area of the macula and the fovea. Because of the cones that comprise the macula, central vision is crisp, clear, detailed and in color.

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