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]
News
A Summary of Risk Factors for AMD
by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. October 2003 (Updated November 2008) Research has revealed new risk factors in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Called epidemiological studies, they show correlations of the disease with obesity and consumption of certain dietary fats. These discoveries are being added to the list of more commonly-known risk factors, including [Read More]
Blue Light and Antioxidants
by Dan Roberts October 2008 Prolonged exposure to intense blue light (eg. natural or artificial sunlight) is considered a risk factor for AMD. Foods high in antioxidants are also known to help protect the retina from light damage. Until recently, however, no studies have shown a direct correlation between light damage and antioxidant levels. Researchers [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]