Cholesterol and AMD

by Dan Roberts Originally published and updated, April 6, 2013 This is a continuously updated review of research since 2002 on cholesterol and age-related macular degeneration. It presents studies of statin treatment and it introduces recent findings regarding reduction of cholesterol by restoring macrophages. Statins Statins are a type of cholesterol-reducing drug that lower the [Read More]

Aspirin and AMD

by Dan Roberts Updated 12/19/12 This is an attempt to shed some light on the issue of aspirin and macular degeneration. In the spring of 2005, a large study introduced some interesting new information about aspirin. The study was done using 39,876 women over a 10-year period in order to clarify the suspected differences between [Read More]

Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 Linked to Dry AMD

by Dan Roberts (Updated November 10, 2008) Concentration of two cytokines, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, have been found in two different studies to be potential biomarkers for incidence of dry AMD. Cytokines are signaling compounds in the cells that are involved in a variety of immunological, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. Janice C. Law, MD, and her [Read More]

POT-4 for Treatment of AMD

by Dan Roberts (Updated September 29, 2008) Potentia Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced on March 20, 2007 that it was entering the clinical phase of development of POT-4 for treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to the researchers, POT-4, a synthetic peptide, shuts down the complement activation system that can lead to local inflammation, tissue damage [Read More]

Pearls from Recent Studies on Low Vision Rehabilitation and Psychosocial Issues

Research of interest to the AMD Community as presented at Vision 2008, Montreal, Canada Selected and Summarized by Dan Roberts, Director, MD Support These findings are derived by the referenced authors based solely upon the results of their respective studies. In every case, more research is recommended before final conclusions can be drawn. Pearl #1. [Read More]