by Dan Roberts (Updated 11/4/06) Drusen are thought to be fatty waste products from the photoreceptor cells. They often appear on the macula (the center of the retina) in the early stages of Macular Degeneration, and they can cause gradual loss of central vision. “Hard” drusen are common in aging eyes, and do not necessarily [Read More]
News
Cataracts as a Complication of Retinal Surgery
by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. October 2006 Cataracts are a complication commonly associated with any retinal or vitreal surgery. When cells are released during surgery, they can attach to the back of the lens and grow, or proliferate, accelerating cataract changes. Many surgeons do double or triple procedures when doing retinal or vitreous surgery. An [Read More]
Discovery of HTRA1 Gene Provides Potential Marker for AMD
by Dan Roberts October 2006 The protein Complement Factor H (CFH) has previously been found to play a role in the development of soft confluent drusen leading to AMD (see “CFH and CFB Proteins May Lead to AMD”). CFH has implicated inflammation as part of the AMD pathogenesis, and now, discovery of a new gene [Read More]
How Copeable Are You?
From The First Year: Age-Related Macular Degeneration by Daniel L. Roberts (Da Capo Press; August 29, 2006) Copeability is something everyone needs at some time or another in the course of life, particularly when experiencing loss of eyesight. It is something deep inside that waits until it is needed. When summoned, it rises to the [Read More]
Abortion Drug Offers Hope for People with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
(Updated August 18, 2018) An abortion drug known as ru486 is showing potential as a treatment for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), a condition which can lead to loss of central vision. The drug, also called mifepristone, blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone necessary to sustain pregnancy. It is also a potent antiglucocorticoid agent. Glucocorticoids [Read More]