New drug silences connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which plays a key role in tissue regeneration and repair. by Dan Roberts (Updated August 2018) One of the most serious causes of vision loss is development of scar tissue on, in, or under the retina. People can develop retinal scarring from severe myopia, ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, [Read More]
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Retinitis Pigmentosa
by David Twigg (freelance writer, Sheffield, England) (Reprinted here with permission from https://www.edel-optics.co.uk/Retinitis-Pigmentosa.html) Retinitis Pigmentosa covers a group of eye conditions affecting the retina, leading to sight problems and loss of vision. It is one of the conditions falling under the heading of Rod-Cone Dystrophy, genetic conditions in which the rod and cone cells in the eye deteriorate [Read More]
Diet, exercise, smoking habits, and genes interact to affect AMD risk
NIH-funded study points to converging factors that drive disease-related inflammation People with a genetic predisposition for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) significantly increased their odds of developing the blinding eye disorder if they had a history of heavy smoking and consistently did not exercise or eat enough fruits and vegetables, according to an observational study of [Read More]
GuideMe Books: A New Concept in Publishing
Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, has launched a unique new resource, “GuideMe”, designed for those who have been diagnosed with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) or Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The intent of the GuideMe books is to simulate as accurately as possible a post-diagnosis consultation with a doctor or therapist. They [Read More]
Ocata's Stem Cell Trials Entering Phase 2
Results from First Cohort Expected in the Second Quarter of 2016 Acucela (formerly Ocata) has announced that the first patient has been enrolled in the company’s Phase 2 clinical trial using Ocata’s proprietary RPE cells in patients with atrophic (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of the trial is to evaluate safety and explore efficacy as compared [Read More]