Category: Research and Developments

The color (pigmentation) of the retina, or lack thereof, is thought to play a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The substance that provides pigmentation is melanin, and a precursor to the pigment melanin is called L-DOPA. Since L-DOPA converts into dopamine in the brain, it has been used as a treatment [Read More]

Ocata Therapeutics, Inc. (now owned by Acucela) has announced positive results in four Asian patients who were treated with the company’s proprietary RPE stem cells. These new data support previously reported positive long-term safety and signs of visual improvement, as reported here in October 2014. The Korean study, published online in Stem Cell Reports, features [Read More]

A National Eye Institute study has reported an impressive success rate at early detection of wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study compared two groups of dry AMD patients and compared the proportion within each group for patients presenting with 20/40 acuity or better when their wet AMD was detected. An experimental group used [Read More]

New research may be misconstrued by Dan Roberts A recent press release from the University of Maryland School of Medicine has found that tiny spherules of calcium phosphate known as hydroxyapatite, or HAP) may be an important “triggering factor” for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The report appeared in the latest issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of [Read More]

A protein released by the complement factor H (CFH) gene has been thought to be responsible for protecting the retina from inflammation leading to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Scientists from the University of Manchester have, however, now discovered that the protein factor H is not the main regulator of immunity. Instead, it is a different [Read More]