News

Artificial Retina Implanted in Humans

by Tom Hoglund Information Officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness For the first time ever, researchers from a company called Optobionics surgically implanted an artificial retina into three patients who are blind from retinitis pigmentosa. These highly-experimental prosthetic devices, made of silicon computer chips, are intended to restore ambulatory vision, thereby giving people the freedom to walk [Read More]

Information on Bilberry and other Bioflavinoids

by Linda Kaspari July 2000 Billberry, Huckleberries, cranberry, grape seed, elderberry and pine bark extract are Anthocyanidin Bioflavonoids. These bioflavonoids are particulary effective in strengthening capillaries. Patients should include vitamin C and bioflavonoids as part of a lifetime regimen to help prevent progressive loss of sight. Essential for proper absorption and use of vitamin C, [Read More]

Foundation Researchers Restore Vision in Canine Model of Childhood Blindness

by Tom Hoglund In one of the single most important advances in the history of retinal degeneration research, a group of Foundation Fighting Blindness-supported scientists used gene therapy to restore vision in a canine model of severe childhood blindness, known clinically as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). This finding, published in the May issue of Nature [Read More]

Glucocorticoids and Secondary Stress as Combined Causes of Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Type A People

by Dan Roberts, Director Macular Degeneration Support, Inc. May 7, 2000 Introduction Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), also known as central serous retinopathy (CSR), is characterized by a serous detachment of the retina which often occurs in middle-aged, caucasian males who exhibit Type A behavior patterns. Chronic CSC may result from the biological effects of glucocorticoids [Read More]

Visually Impaired, Not Blind

People with age-related macular degeneration are pleased and relieved to see the word “blind” on its way out as a description of their visual condition. The word “blind” is becoming increasingly less associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), thanks in part to awareness efforts by MD Support and the conscientiousness of other leading organizations around [Read More]