Macular Degeneration Association

2011-08-17T04:49:00.001-07:00

SHARE YOUR STORY: MDA Educational Events

Have you attended any of the MDA Educational Symposiums? If yes, did you enjoy the experience? What programs, lectures, workshops, etc. would you like to see featured at a future MDA educational event?

2011-08-04T05:12:00.001-07:00

SHARE YOUR STORY: Clinical Trials
When diagnosed with a disease not yet curable, patients, caregivers and loved ones are faced with a colossal decision: whether or not to participate in experimental treatments and clinical trials.

http://ping.fm/k8BT9

2011-07-26T17:37:00.001-07:00

SHARE YOUR STORY: Low Vision

Low vision is a term eye care professionals use to categorize substantial visual impairment that cannot be improved by standard measures, such as regular eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication or even most eye surgeries. As macular degeneration progresses, significant damage occurs in the macula, resulting in low vision.

Do you see a low vision specialist?

If yes, what have you gained from seeking low vision resources?

2011-07-20T13:04:00.001-07:00

SHARE YOUR STORY: Vitamins
In 2001, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) research identified a specific formula of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene) and zinc that reduced the probability of progression to advanced AMD by 25 percent among individuals at risk. Carotenoids, not commercially available at the time of the landmark AREDS study, have since been proven to have even more substantial power in slowing AMD progression.

Do you have a vitamin regimen that you adhere to as a supplemental treatment for slowing AMD progression?

2011-07-11T05:34:00.001-07:00

CASE STUDY: iPad Grants the Gift of Sight to Legally Blind Woman

Evelyn O’Brien has faced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for decades. Her AMD progressed to legal blindness over 30 years ago, and for the first time since she lost her vision, she is able to see her grandchildren’s faces…all thanks to Apple’s iPad.

Because of her AMD and resulting legal blindness, when Evelyn looks at people she can't see their faces. She recently discovered that by using her daughter’s iPad she could zoom in and see details she hasn't seen in over 30 years. Evelyn now uses the iPad to read, watch videos, and surf the web.

Evelyn recently brought the iPad into her eye doctor, showed it to him and exclaimed, “Here’s the World!”

http://ping.fm/WHwAp

2011-07-08T06:41:00.001-07:00

FDA Grants Fast-Track Status to New Treatment for Wet AMD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted Ohr Pharmaceutical’s Squalamine, a new treatment for wet-AMD, with fast track status and a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) to speed up progress towards a Phase III clinical trial of the drug.

http://ping.fm/wIc9W

2011-07-07T05:48:00.001-07:00

Hopeful Signs for Treating End-Stage AMD Emerge with New Implantable Telescope
According to several studies out of London, England, an implantable telescope shows encouraging results in treating patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

http://ping.fm/9lYI4

2011-07-06T09:12:00.001-07:00

Yummy Summertime Foods to Help Protect the Eyes
Need some nutritiously delicious ideas for summer? Include these antioxidant powerhouses to help give your diet an eye-friendly boost!

* Watermelons: Loaded with juice, watermelons can quench your thirst on a hot day. It's also filled with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene. Serve watermelon as a dessert or blend it to make a chilled soup!
* Zucchini or yellow squash: These types of summer squash are great grilled, and they contain magnesium, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and folate.
* Strawberries: A great snack alone or blended into a smoothie; strawberries provide antioxidants and phytonutrients that can reduce inflammation in your body. They're also a good source of fiber.
* Peaches: Peaches just may be the sweetest eye-protective food on our list! A great source of carotene, potassium, lycopene and lutein, peaches may help prevent heart disease, cancer, AND macular degeneration.
http://ping.fm/vwopp

2011-07-05T08:12:00.001-07:00

SUNGLASSES: To best protect your eyes, choose wisely!

Protect your eyes against harmful UV rays by choosing the right pair of sunglasses! Here’s what you need to remember when picking out a new pair of shades:

Tint: It doesn’t really matter what tint of sunglasses you prefer, since any color can filter out UV waves. Just remember that darker lenses don’t necessarily provide more UV protection.
Polarized: When partaking in activities like fishing, skiing, or driving, polarized lenses block reflective light waves and reduce glare.
Impact resistant: Play ball? Look for impact-resistant shades. The FDA requires sunglasses to survive some impact without fracturing but they don’t need to be shatterproof. Special protective sunglasses made of polycarbonate are your best bet for protecting your eyes while playing sports like baseball, tennis or golf.
Photochromic: These lenses lighten or darken automatically in response to the intensity of the sun’s UV rays. Glasses that morph into sunglasses fall into this category. The only problem with these, says Lee, may be with driving. A car’s windshield blocks out UV rays, so the glasses won’t darken in response to the bright light streaming through.

http://ping.fm/AyWSR

2011-07-01T05:57:00.001-07:00

Embryonic Stem Cell Trial to Treat Blindness Begins in California
The Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) just announced they will begin a dual-trial stem cell program targeting retinal diseases, including dry AMD.

This research study marks only the second embryonic stem cell program ever conducted in the United States.

http://ping.fm/qGRR5

2011-07-01T05:55:00.001-07:00

VEGGIE FACEOFF!

What veggie packs the most punch when it comes to naturally protecting your eyes? We put veggies head-to-head to see which boasts the highest carotenoid concentrations.

http://ping.fm/9DkGk

2011-06-22T14:18:00.001-07:00

New Study Suggests “Friendly Fire” As Possible Cause of Parkinson’s Disease

A team of researchers from the University of Florida published a new study suggesting that the pathway located at the base of the brain that is essential for the execution of smooth, coordinated movements may be selectively damaged by the friendly fire of the body’s immune response.

http://ping.fm/385mV

2011-06-14T08:05:00.001-07:00

June is Ultraviolet Light (UV) Safety Awareness Month!
Remember to protect your eyes while having fun in the sun.

As summer approaches, MDA wants to remind you how important it is to protect your eyes while enjoying time outdoors. Research suggests that direct exposure to bright sunlight increases your risk of developing retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.

http://ping.fm/NzTHD

2011-06-09T13:54:00.001-07:00

New Data Intensifies Roche Drug Debate
Results of a 1,200 patient study by the National Eye Institute, a sector of the National Institutes of Health, suggest that macular medication Avastin, is as effective as its more expensive alternative Lucentis in treating blindness resulting from AMD.

http://ping.fm/BgwkH

2011-06-07T12:15:00.001-07:00

Retinal Disease Treatments Double Over the Past Ten Years, New Study Finds

As baby boomers continue to age, the number of retinal disease treatments continues to increase.
A study published in the journal Archives of Ophthalmology, analyzed a decade worth of Medicare data and found that the number of retinal procedures increased 192 percent from 1997 to 2007. The largest year-to-year increase (20 percent) occurred between 2006 and 2007.

http://ping.fm/LTy5l

2011-06-06T13:52:00.001-07:00

Tipping the Scales Puts You at Greater Risk for Vision Loss
Body weight not only affects one’s risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it also dramatically influences the progression of AMD-related vision loss
http://ping.fm/oAmRl

2011-06-06T13:49:00.001-07:00

Flower Power
Scientists are working to develop fractal “nanoflowers” that could restore sight to the blind.
http://ping.fm/I3p5w

2011-06-03T10:17:00.001-07:00

More Clues Surface as to Biological Basis of Geographic Atrophy

Researchers at the University of Kentucky’s Ambati Laboratory believe they have discovered an important element of the biological basis of geographic atrophy, which contributes to damage in the retina.

http://ping.fm/Vmvds

2011-06-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

Blackberries Help Block Eye Damage
According to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, AREDS, one of the largest comprehensive studies of its kind, certain nutrients found in foods can offer protection for your eyes by preventing damage caused by harmful ultra-violet rays. The National Eye Institute developed a vitamin formula based on AREDS data, and blackberries are an excellent source of some of the vitamins included in the formula developed for macular degeneration.

http://ping.fm/5AosI

2011-06-01T09:46:00.001-07:00

Changing Absorption Process of Vitamin A
May Help Treat AMD

The “Journal of Biological Chemistry” recently published a series of articles investigating a new treatment for AMD – vitamin A absorption modification.

The eye’s natural method of processing vitamin A leads to large clumps of the vitamin, known as “vitamin A dimers.” These dimers are thought to be responsible for some of the vision loss experienced in patients with AMD.

http://ping.fm/J42q0

2011-05-31T18:43:00.001-07:00

Stem Cell Research Continues

A group of researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have taken what they call a “significant step” in combining AMD research with the study of stem cell therapy.

http://ping.fm/4qhdw

2011-05-31T18:36:00.001-07:00

AMD Risk Linked to Ethnicity, according to University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

In an article published in this month’s edition of AARP magazine, Dr. Yuguang He, associate professor of ophthalmology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and a specialist in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), explains certain races’ increased risk of developing AMD.

http://ping.fm/WF3V4

2011-05-27T05:48:00.001-07:00

Stem Cell Research Continues. A group of researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have taken what they call a “significant step” in combining AMD research with the study of stem cell therapy. http://ping.fm/tNdlw

2011-05-27T05:47:00.001-07:00

AMD Risk Linked to Ethnicity, according to University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. In an article published in this month’s edition of AARP magazine, Dr. Yuguang He, associate professor of ophthalmology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and a specialist in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), explains certain races’ increased risk of developing AMD.http://ping.fm/jObeE

2011-05-25T16:28:00.001-07:00

Eating Your Way to Healthy Vision. Nutrient-rich vegetables like kale are naturally designed to protect your eyes from harmful light that can damage the retina over time, often contributing to age-related macular degeneration. http://ping.fm/vRGZx

2011-05-24T07:41:00.001-07:00

Dilation No Longer Required to Check for Retina Damage, Thanks to New Optomap Technology. The dark glasses, the sensitivity to light, the trouble driving…pupil dilation is not without its inconveniences, but it was long considered the only way to receive a full retinal exam. Thanks to a new technology, dilation isn’t your only option. http://ping.fm/WNbfo

2011-05-23T14:31:00.001-07:00

Running Towards Healthy Vision. According to research from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, vigorous runners are significantly less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. http://ping.fm/YnDEd

2011-05-20T13:53:00.001-07:00

What is Low Vision? Low vision is a term eye care professionals use to categorize substantial visual impairment that cannot be improved by standard measures, such as regular eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication or even most eye surgeries. www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

2011-05-20T13:51:00.001-07:00

The Mice Can See Again: Researchers Successfully Regenerate Sections of the Retina and Restore Some Visual Function for the First Time. Researchers at the Schepens Eye Research Institute in Boston are the first to use IPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells) derived from skin to successfully rebuild damaged retinas and improve visual function in mice. http://ping.fm/Wg0nf

2011-05-18T08:48:00.001-07:00

One More Reason to Eat Your Greens!What’s one of the simplest ways to protect your eyesight as you age? Food! http://ping.fm/ArnGF

2011-05-18T08:43:00.001-07:00

Three’s the Charm When it Comes to Improving Visual Acuity. According to a new study, a triple combination therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) may improve visual acuity. http://ping.fm/qL1Zf

2011-05-18T08:38:00.001-07:00

Women: Get Your Vitamin D! Decreased Prevalence of Early AMD in Women under 75 Who Demonstrate High Amounts of Vitamin D Intake. http://ping.fm/iTnNi

2011-05-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Stop Smoking to Save Eyesight
Tobacco smokers are two to three times as likely to develop AMD, according to multiple scientific studies published by the AMD Alliance International. http://ping.fm/1DkOy

2011-05-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

Stages of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
http://ping.fm/ujRf2

2011-05-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Stages of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) There are three stages of AMD: early, intermediate and advanced. Patients are classified depending on the size and number of drusen and the amount of vision loss. http://ping.fm/jRqjf

2011-05-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

2011-05-09T10:34:00.001-07:00

Bionic Eye Breakthrough
With the successful creation of a new microchip, scientists in Australia are one step closer to making the bionic eye a reality. http://ping.fm/3iPwT

2011-05-07T13:45:00.001-07:00

Holy Mackerel! Fatty Fish Fights Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Originally celebrated as a super-food for the brain, omega-3 fatty acids find another fan in retina specialists. The building blocks of the cell membrane, these powerful unsaturated fatty acids (known scientifically as DHA) are essential for the functioning of nerve tissues in the brain. http://ping.fm/IzL5b

2011-05-05T14:01:00.001-07:00

The Power of Peas

Now that the science celebrating carotenoids as protective agents against the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is concrete, macular patients are constantly looking for ways to increase their intake. One of the carotenoids proven to reduce one’s risk of developing AMD and cataracts is lutein, and a great source of lutein are those sweet little green vegetables known as peas.
http://ping.fm/gfuYh

A Tale of Two Eye Controversies and Macular Degeneration...

2011-04-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

Test of Eye Drug Is Said to Show Success in Elderly..A far less expensive alternative proved roughly as effective as Genentech’s costly drug Lucentis in preserving or improving vision in elderly people with a common eye disease, according to two people familiar with the results of a closely watched clinical trial.Genentech developed Lucentis to treat the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of severe vision loss in the elderly. While Avastin, which is a cancer drug, has not been approved for use in treating macular degeneration, it has the same mechanism of action as Lucentis. And Avastin costs only about $50 per injection into the eye, compared to roughly $2,000 for Lucentis.

Many eye doctors already are using Avastin off-label to treat macular degeneration, and many say it appears to work just as well as Lucentis. But there has never been a definitive trial to compare the two drugs.

So the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, sponsored a randomized trial involving 1,200 patients. Results are scheduled to be presented Sunday at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The results will also be published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Safety of the two drugs will also be closely watched. However, experts say that with only 1,200 patients, the trial will be able to detect only major differences in safety.

Another part of the trial compared injecting the drugs as needed, depending on the course of the patient’s disease, rather than on a strict monthly schedule. One source said Avastin was slightly inferior to Lucentis, but the other said the results of the two drugs were the same.

The trial comparing the two drugs is of the type known as a comparative effectiveness study. Such studies are being encouraged under the new health reform law, though this one started before the law was enacted.

For more information about this article, to learn more about research, or about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regime. The Macular Degeneration Association is please to announce our next educational conference: New Treatments for Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 in Winter Haven, Fl. To learn more about this conference please visit us on the web. The Spring Educational Symposium will cover all the latest treatments and information about macular degeneration including genetic testing. Genetic Testing will be available for those individuals that show signs of macular degeneration or have been diagnosed with this disease. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for your continued support.

Resources:http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/27/test-of-eye-drug-shows-success-in-elderly/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Can Running Help Protect Your Eyes?

2011-04-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

According to various medical sources, you should...Run for your life. Vigorous activity can protect you from the two leading sight-stealers that occur over time: cataracts and macular degeneration.If you run a little farther than a mile a day (that's about 2,000 of the 10,000 steps you're taking daily anyway, right?), you reduce your chances of age-related macular degeneration by an impressive 36 percent.

Bump that up to five miles a day (you've taken care of your 10,000 steps right there), and you cut your AMD risk by 54 percent. Push just a little farther, to 5.5 miles, and you cut your risk of cataracts more. (Just don't start exercising this vigorously overnight; begin slowly and build up.)

Not a runner? No worries. Any workout that pumps up your cardio-fitness protects your sight — rowing, biking, swimming, doing weight-training circuits. What you eat also has a big impact. Run up to the salad bar and load up on key sight-saving nutrients: the vitamin C in tomatoes and citrus; zeaxanthin in spinach and bell peppers; and alpha-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E) in almonds and sunflower seeds.

Add 900 mg of DHA-omega-3 a day as a supplement from algae, or in fish oil (check the label for "DHA"), or in three 4-ounce servings of salmon or trout a week. That combo — DHA, vitamin C and zeaxanthin — also will keep your joints young when you exercise.

For more information about this article, to learn more about nutrition and your health, or about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health regime. The Macular Degeneration Association is please to announce our next educational conference: New Treatments for Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 in Winter Haven, Fl. To learn more about this conference please visit us on the web. The Spring Educational Symposium will cover all the latest treatments and information about macular degeneration including genetic testing. Genetic Testing will be available for those individuals that show signs of macular degeneration or have been diagnosed with this disease. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for your continued support.

Resources:http://www.kansas.com/2011/04/26/1822651/as-hens-eat-better-eggs-get-healthier.html

New Treatments for Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration!

2011-04-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Please join us on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 from 8:30 A.M. - 2:45 P.M. for a FREE Educational Symposium about Macular Degeneration. FREE screenings to help patients determine their risk level of AMD.The symposium is an excellent opportunity for participants to learn about the latest advances in treatments and therapy innovations that will greatly improve quality of life. Eye Solutions will administer genetic testing, a revolutionary breakthrough in the macular degeneration field. Genetic Testing will be available for those individuals that show signs of macular degeneration or have been diagnosed with this disease.Enhanced Vision will be bringing their low vision devices for everyone to see and use We look forward to seeing you there. Knowledge + Awareness can help...help empower yourself! You may also register for this event by visiting our registration site, http://www.eventbrite.com/
myevent?eid=1568037041 We hope to see you there! Thank you for your continued support!Please visit our website or call (941) 870-4399 to register/ seating is limited.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid's Relationship with Macular Degeneration...

2011-04-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

Omega 3-fatty acids and Macular Degeneration..Omega 3 fats are essential for nerve conduction in the retina. They also help reduce cholesterol, thus helping to maintain the blood vessels of the retina open.On March 15, 2011, the Harvard University released the results of a study conducted on omega 3 fats and age macular degeneration (AMD).The study performed a dietary analysis on more than 38,000 women. No men were included in the study. All of the participants were in their 40 s at the time of enrollment in 1993, and none had AMD at the study’s start. Eye health was also tracked over the course of a decade, during which time 235 women developed AMD.

The researchers found that women with the highest intake of EPA and DHA (both fatty acids found in fish), had a 38% lower risk of age macular degeneration. The study found that women who ate one or more servings of fish every week had a 42 percent lower risk of AMD than those who consumed fish just once a month or less. The lower risk was linked to consumption of canned tuna and fatty fish such as salmon,sardines, mackerel, etc.

The author of the study, Dr. William G. Christen, indicates that“Fish oil, that is the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, that have long been thought to be protective against cardiovascular disease may also be of significant benefit in the primary prevention of age macular degeneration among women who have no disease or have undetected early signs of disease, and have not yet been diagnosed with AMD.”

At the same time, the authors of the study suggest that higher consumption of one omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid) can increase the risk of macular degeneration, although they didn’t seem to think it was highly significant.

For more information about this article, to learn about other therapies, or about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health regime. The Macular Degeneration Association is please to announce our next educational conference: New Treatments for Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 in Winter Haven, Fl. To learn more about this conference please visit us on the web. The Spring Educational Symposium will cover all the latest treatments and information about macular degeneration including genetic testing. Genetic Testing will be available for those individuals that show signs of macular degeneration or have been diagnosed with this disease. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for your continued support.
Resources: by: Emilia Klapp

What Berries Can Do for YOU!

2011-04-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

What Berries Can Do for YOU! Berries are nutritional powerhouses whether they’re eaten fresh,frozen, dried, freeze-dried or powdered. But can they protect our brain and memory, melt fat and prevent urinary tract infections? What we know: Blueberries are packed with antioxidant power, which comes from high levels of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid or plant compound.They also contain significant amounts of micro nutrients and fiber. Noted: Billberries, a cousin of the blueberry, have been shown to promote eye health.Bilberry fruit contains chemicals known as anthocyanosides, plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties. They scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, helping to prevent or reverse damage to cells. Antioxidants have been shown to help prevent a number of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and an eye disorder called macular degeneration. Bilberry also contains vitamin C, which is another antioxidant.

What’s inside: Cranberries have the same blue-red anthocyanin flavonoids. The tart, red berry is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, as well as a good source of manganese and copper.Emerging research: The compounds in cranberries called “pro anthocyanidins” may prevent bacteria from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection, said Dr. Catherine Neto, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.Cranberries may reduce the ability of H. pylori bacteria to live in the stomach and cause ulcers and reduce dental plaque. Neto’s research has shown in cell cultures, cranberry compounds reduce the growth and proliferation of breast, prostate and colon tumor cells.

For more information regarding this article or to learn about nutrition, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet of health regime. The Macular Degeneration Association is please to announce our next educational conference: New Treatments for Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 in Winter Haven, Fl. To learn more about this conference please visit us on the web. The Spring Educational Symposium will cover all the latest treatments and information about macular degeneration including genetic testing. Genetic Testing will be available for those individuals that show signs of macular degeneration or have been diagnosed with this disease. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for your continued support.

HOSTED FIRST EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

2011-04-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF WET AND DRY MACULAR DEGENERATION:

WHAT PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW!

Tampa, Florida

On March 26^th, 2011, the Macular Degeneration Association (MDA) hosted its first educational conference in Tampa, Florida. The conference educated age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients about the scientific advances in treatments currently evolving in the field of macular degeneration. Nearly 200 AMD patients, caregivers, and family members were in attendance.

The conference offered participants many opportunities to learn about the latest advances in macular degeneration research, genetic testing, medications, treatments, and therapies, by hosting several conference faculty members and AMD exhibitors. The event featured presentations by important figures in the retina field, including macular treatment pioneer Dr. Michael Tolentino, known best for developing revolutionary treatment strategies to slow the progression of AMD. Dr. Tolentino is very active with the Association, and he serves as MDA’s scientific co-founder and medical director. At the conference in Tampa, he spoke to patients about the current scientific understanding of the disease, including the specific anatomical changes macular patients will experience. Dr. Tolentino also introduced the latest revolution in AMD science-genetic testing. He explained that labs can evaluate a patient’s simple cheek swab sample to estimate an individual’s risk level of developing AMD.

In addition to Dr. Tolentino, MDA’s educational conference featured optometrist- Dr.Sonya Braudway and retina specialists- Dr. Dana Deupree, Dr. Karen Gehrs, Dr. Benjamin Kim, and Dr. Brian Madow. Members of the conference faculty covered such topics as current treatments for wet and dry macular degeneration, alternative therapies, how low vision can help, and treatments of the future. Dr. Deupree helped patients understand exactly what doctors examines during an office visit, and advised patients about the types of questions to ask during their office visit. The conference faculty also made themselves available to the patients by actively participating in a panel discussion where conference attendees could ask specific questions.

MDA’s first educational conference was a unique opportunity to interact with nationally known macular experts, local doctors, and fellow patients and caregivers in an open forum. MDA announced plans to host another educational conference in the fall of 2011.

About the Macular Degeneration Association (MDA)

The Macular Degeneration Association (MDA) is a nonprofit health organization dedicated to educating and empowering age-related macular degeneration patients all across the world. Age-related macular degeneration is an increasingly prevalent degenerative eye disease, affecting millions of aging seniors.

The mission of MDA is to educate patients on the latest advances in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, our focus extends far beyond diagnosed patients. We are committed to the senior population at large, those most at risk of developing macular degeneration.

Our goal is to provide information about risk factors, genetic predisposition, and proper diagnosis, as well as preventative efforts and treatment options that will likely reduce the most adverse effect of AMD, blindness. MDA is passionate about funding and developing sophisticated patient education and advocacy programs designed to improve macular patients’ quality of life. This is accomplished through the Association’s patient education conferences and seminars held nationwide.

The Association honors its commitment to prioritizing patient education by aligning itself with experts in the macular field, investigating retina-related scientific breakthroughs, and disseminating new scientific advances to macular patients across the world. We strongly believe that providing support, education and empowerment to the millions of people living with age-related macular degeneration will improve patient quality of life, and energize the retina field to develop advances in treating AMD. It is our hope that encouraging knowledge and awareness will ultimately lead to a cure.

To learn more about the Macular Degeneration Association (MDA), please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org. Thank you for your continued support.

Advances in The Treatment of Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration, What Patients Should Know!

2011-03-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

MACULAR DEGENERATION ASSOCIATION (MDA)

2011 SPRING EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF WET AND DRY MACULAR DEGENERATION,

WHAT PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW!

FEATURING DR. DANA DEUPREE

Tampa Westshore Marriott - Tampa, Florida

Saturday, March 26, 2011

8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Program Chair: Dr. Michael Tolentino

The Macular Degeneration Association hosts its spring educational conference in Tampa, Florida, this year, and Dr. Dana Deupree, a noted ophthalmologist in the macular degeneration field, is one of the conference’s featured speakers. Dr. Deupree will explain what doctors examine during a patient’s office visit, introduce alternative therapies for macular degeneration, and offer advice to patients about the types of questions to ask during an office visit. Dr. Deupree will make himself available to the patients by actively participating in the panel discussion. This event is a unique opportunity to learn about the latest advances in macular degeneration research, genetic testing, medications, treatments, and therapies. Participants are encouraged to share questions, concerns and ideas with nationally known macular experts, local doctors, patients and caregivers.

Dr. Deupree is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in diseases of the vitreous and retina. He received his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean in 1983. Dr. Deupree received a grant from the National Eye Institute and researched diabetic eye disease while serving as a Harvard Research Fellow. His sub-specialties include medical and surgical management of macular disorders, diabetic retinopathy, complex retinal detachments, and trauma. His current research interest is Rheopheresis treatment for macular degeneration, among others. Currently, he is the principal researcher in a phase three FDA clinical trial. He runs a solo practice, The Macula Center in Palm Harbor, Fl. This center is exclusively devoted to treating the retina and macula. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American College of Surgeons.

The conference will have general session presentations beginning in the morning that will continue throughout the day, exhibition sessions during the sponsored breaks, and a question and answer session at the conclusion of the conference. Presentations will be given by prominent macular degeneration physicians and clinicians, including: Dr. Michael Tolentino, Dr. Sonya Braudway, Dr. Dana Deupree, Dr. Karen Gehrs, Dr. Benjamin Kim, Dr. Brian Madow, etc. Patients and their caregivers will also be given the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion and a meet and greet with the doctors.

Program Topics include:

Opening Remarks: MDA Chairman, Lawrence Hoffheimer
What is Macular Degeneration?
What is Examined in the Doctor’s Office?
Current Treatments for Dry Macular Degeneration
Future Treatments for Dry Macular Degeneration
Clinical Trials offered for treating Dry Macular Degeneration
Current Treatment for Wet Macular Degeneration
Future Treatments for Wet Macular Degeneration
Genetic Testing
New Telescope Implant
Low Vision
Alternative Therapies
Questions Patients are Embarrassed to Ask Their Doctor (panel)

About the Macular Degeneration Association (MDA)

The Macular Degeneration Association (MDA) is a nonprofit health organization dedicated to educating and empowering age-related macular degeneration patients all across the world.

Age-related macular degeneration is an increasingly prevalent degenerative eye disease, affecting millions of aging seniors. The mission of MDA is to educate patients on the latest advances in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, our focus extends far beyond diagnosed patients. We are committed to the senior population at large, those most at risk of developing macular degeneration.

MDA is passionate about funding and developing sophisticated patient education and advocacy programs designed to improve macular patients’ quality of life. This is accomplished through the Association’s patient education conferences and seminars held nationwide.

We strongly believe that providing support, education and empowerment to the millions of people living with age-related macular degeneration will improve patient quality of life, and energize the retina field to develop advances in treating AMD. It is our hope that encouraging knowledge and awareness will ultimately lead to a cure.

The money raised by the foundation funds research, information programs, advocacy and awareness efforts that will support the over 9.1 million people with macular degeneration in communities across America. For more information, please visit our website at www.maculardegenerationassociation.org.

To register or for more information about the March 26^th Educational Conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@maculardegenerationassociation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext.0. Thank you for your interest and support.

Picture a Robot Swimming Through YOUR Eyes to Help Treat AMD!

2011-03-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Possibilities are Endless, Reality is that this new technology could actually be here sooner than you think!!The latest in eye treatment is just around the corner. A new tiny robot capable of being steered through your eye can deliver drugs or maybe even do micro-surgery.Some time back, researchers at North Carolin State University were able to make micro-bots do U-turns in a fluid on command, and another group developed one capable of clearing blood clots in the blood vessels in the eye. Now, Kumer has brought his similar technology even further. Kumer, a Mechanical Engineer from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) is a specialist in robotics and thermodynamics in emerging technologies, and his research involves the precision control of microbots using magnetic fields.

Kumer's robots are injected into the eye via needle and are electro-magnetically controlled to eliminate the need for on-board fuel. the team hopes that the tiny robots will be able to help treat macular degeneration injecting a drug slowly over a period of months. So far the robots have only been tested on pig's eyes from cadavers but they plan to test it on living animals soon.

With any luck, not only will the little robots be able to help with macular degeneration, but also with other eye problems and surgeries. Maybe they're even be able to use the robots in other parts of the body like removing a blood clot deep in the heart.

To learn more about AMD and new advances, please join us for our Annual Educational Symposium on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Fl. Log onto our website to learn more about this event.To register or for more information about the March 26th Educational Conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@maculardegenerationassociation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. Please visit our website athttp://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.

References:http://www.pcworld.com/article/222013/robots_swim_through_eyes_to_give_treatment.html

Did you know that an Unhealthy Diet and Poor Population Means Many Will Lose Sight!

2011-03-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

A survey of 4,000 individuals for the College of Optometrists has highlighted inadequate awareness of age-related macular degeneration.Many people are not aware that diet and smoking are related to eye disease.People's diets, smoking as well as old age are considered to be risk factors.

A healthy diet can halve your risk of developing AMD. Research stressed that a diet high in leafy green vegetables, bright fruits and veg as well; as oily fish could help the prevention of AMD.

To learn more about AMD please join us for our Annual Educational Symposium on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Fl. Log onto our website to learn more about this event.To register or for more information about the March 26th Educational Conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@maculardegenerationassociation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. Please visit our website athttp://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.

References:http://www.diet.co.uk/news/2011/Mar/unhealthy-diet-and-poor-population-means-many-will-lose-sight-95655684.html

New X-Ray Treatment Could Save Sight of Thousands with Macular Degeneration!

2011-03-15T12:09:00.001-07:00

Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease and is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over the age of 60 – but a new 15-minute procedure – on trial in the U.K. could change all of that.It involves an X-ray treatment, and according to a report in the Daily Mail, it could save the sight of thousands of people.

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration – wet and dry. Wet macular degeneration is the more severe kind and is characterized by swelling caused by leaking blood vessels that affect the macula, which is the center of the retina. It’s not known what causes this condition, but it almost always develops in people who have had the dry form of macular degeneration, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Currently, treatments for this eye disease are quite invasive and involve a series of injections into the eye, as frequent as every four weeks, for the remainder of the patients life. But this new procedure, called iRay, only involves a patient sitting in front of the machine while low-energy X-rays are “beamed” back into the back of their eye. As a result the “beams” close the blood vessels that cause loss of the vision. It’s an in-office procedure that last about 15 to 20 minutes.
iRay, which is a product of the U.S. firm Oraya Therapeutics, is currently being tested at London’s King College Hospital.

“This is an exciting new technology that targets one of the most common causes of blindness in the U.K.,” Dr. Tim Jackson, who is leading the trial, said. “If the initial results are borne out in these important larger studies then a majority of patients will have something to look forward to – an easily administered, one-off treatment that maintains or improves vision, and fewer injections into their eye.”

In the U.S., the device has not yet received FDA approval. Stay tuned and check back for more information regarding this new treatment and experiment.

To learn more about AMD please join us for our Annual Educational Symposium on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Fl. Log onto our website to learn more about this event.To register or for more information about the March 26th Educational Conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@maculardegenerationassociation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. Please visit our website athttp://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.

References:http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/03/11/new-x-ray-treatment-save-sight-thousands/

The Risk of Brain Hemorrhagic Stroke in Individuals with Age-Related Macular Degeneration Increased....

2011-03-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

In the News, older adults with late-stage, age-related macular degeneration may have a significantly higher risk for hemorrhagic stroke than do individuals without the eye disease, a prospective, population-based study suggests.There may be a common underlying process contributing to both age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and bleeding strokes, but more research will be needed to determine if that’s the case, Dr. Renske G. Wieberdink said in a press briefing at the International Stroke Conference.

"We don’t think there’s a causal relationship between AMD and stroke," said Dr. Wieberdink, an epidemiologist at Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

During 1990-2007, data on 6,207 adults aged 55 years or older in the Rotterdam Study showed that 30% had early-stage (stage 1-3) AMD and 1.5% had late-stage (stage 4) AMD at baseline. Participants underwent physical examination, blood sampling, and full eye examinations every 3-4 years. During a median of nearly 14 years of follow-up, 726 participants developed a stroke, including 59 intracerebral hemorrhages, 397 cerebral infarctions, and 270 unspecified strokes.

Researchers found that the risk for any stroke was 56% higher in participants with late-stage AMD than in individuals without AMD after they controlled for the effects of age, sex, diabetes, blood pressure, use of antihypertensives, smoking, cholesterol levels, carotid artery plaques, body mass index, alcohol intake, and C-reactive protein levels.

Participants with late-stage AMD (either the wet or dry forms) had sixfold higher risk for intracerebral hemorrhage than did cohort members without AMD (hazard ratio, 6.11; 95% confidence interval, 2.34-15.98).

No significant association was seen between late-stage AMD and intracerebral infarction. Early-stage AMD was not associated with increased risk for any kind of stroke.

If there is a common mechanism underlying late-stage AMD and intracerebral hemorrhage, it’s unclear what it might be. "In the AMD field, AMD is not considered a vascular disorder, but that should be investigated further," she said.

For more information regarding this topic, please visit our website athttp://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ To learn more about AMD please join us for our Annual Educational Symposium on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Fl. Log onto our website to learn more about this event. As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.

References: http://www.familypracticenews.com/single-view/brain-hemorrhage-risk-higher-with-late-macular-degeneration/5fefede257.html

Educational Symposium on Macular Degeneration...

2011-03-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

The Macular Degeneration Association would like to cordially invite you to our annual conference on macular degeneration. This year’s conference will be held on March 26, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott.This event is an excellent opportunity for you and your family to learn about the latest advances in macular degeneration research, drugs, treatments, and therapies. It will also serve as an opportunity for participants to share questions, concerns and ideas with nationally known macular experts, other local doctors, patients and caregivers.

There will be general session presentations beginning in the morning that will continue throughout the day, exhibition sessions during the sponsored breaks, and a question and answer session at the conclusion of the conference. Topics covered will include everything from genetic testing to future treatments of macular degeneration, as well as clinical trials currently being offered and other alternative therapies.

The conference will run from 8:30am-5:00pm with registration open at 7:30am. Speakers include some of the most prominent names in the macular community, including Program Chair, Dr. Michael Tolentino, Dr. Dana Deupree, Dr. Sonya Braudway, Dr. Karen Gehrs, Dr. Benjamin Kim, Dr. Brian Madow, etc.

The Macular Degeneration Association is a nonprofit health organization providing macular research, information and advocacy. The mission of the organization is to help find a cure for macular degeneration and to improve the lives of all people affected by the disease.

To register or for more information about the March 26th Educational Conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@maculardegenerationassociation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. To learn more about the Macular Degeneration Association please visit us online at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ We look forward to seeing you at our educational symposium. Thank you for your continued support.

Research and Genome-Wide Association Scan for Age-related Macular Degeneration

2011-03-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Genome-Wide Association Scan for Age-related Macular Degeneration...Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the macular region of the retina. It affects the aging population in developed countries, causing loss of central vision and accounts for 50 percent of blindness.NEI investigators in collaboration with more than twenty universities and research institutions in the U.S. and Europe completed the first genome-wide association scan (GWAS) for age-relatedmacular degeneration (AMD). GWAS are designed to identify common variants implicated in common diseases, which are normally not covered by linkage studies. Known AMD susceptibility loci near complement factor H (CFH), age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2), complement component 2/complement factor B (C2/CFB), complement component 3 (C3),and complement factor I (CFI) were confirmed by this study. Other previously suggested susceptibility loci did not show significance with P<0.05. However, in some cases a trend was observed in the same direction as that of the published data. The three strongest signals were associated with loci in the synapsin III (SYN3)/ tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) region, the hepatic lipase (LIPC) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) genes. The SYN3/TIMP3 susceptibility locus had been previously linked to AMD. It is a large intron in the SYN3 gene (involved in neurotransmission and synapseformation) that also contains the TIMP3 gene (involved in extracellularmatrix degradation and implicated in early-onset maculopathy Sorby'sfundus dystrophy).

AMD is a raising public health concern because of the constant increase in the aging population. The identification of susceptibility variants associated with AMD may contribute to the prediction of individual risk of AMD.This, in association with the identification of molecular and cellular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of the disease can lead to better preventive and therapeutic interventions.

To learn more about this article, to learn about our mission of educating those affected by macular degeneration including families and caregivers or to learn about our educational programs including our educational symposium on Saturday, March 26, 2011 in Tampa, Fl. Please visit us at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/. As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.

References:http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/scienceadvances/advances/amd.asp

Macuhealth...a nutritional supplement for AMD!

2011-03-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

We're excited to share information about Macuhealth...a supplement for AMD. Macuhealth with LMZ3 is a patented nutritional supplement that contains the three pigments found in the macula. Regular intake of Macuhealth with LMZ3 has been shown to restore macular pigment to normal levels.
*Unique formula eye supplement designed to reduce the risk of Macular Degeneration development and progression.
*Scientifically designed to contain ALL the vital carotenoids for macular health – lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin.
*The ONLY available eye supplement with 10mg of meso-zeaxanthin - the only carotenoid found exclusively in the macula.
*Rigorously tested at leading global eye research institutions and endorsed by many eye care professionals worldwide.

Scientists have long known that the yellow color, or pigment, inside the macula (central retina) comes from plant compounds known as the carotenoids, which include: lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. They believe that these plant compounds help protect the macula in two MAJOR ways:Blue-light filter - by absorbing blue light from the broad spectrum and Anti-oxidant Effect – neutralizing harmful free radicals.

Importance of Meso-zeaxanthin:
*MZ is the dominant carotenoid in the central fovea
*Of the three macular carotenoids, MZ is the most powerful antioxidant
*MZ facilitates a wider range of blue light filtration
*Ideally located to afford protection against free radical damage

MacuHealth with LMZ3 is a patented supplement that combines all three of these carotenoids to help reduce the risk of Macular Degeneration and maintain healthy eyes.
For more information about MACUHEALTH, please visit http://www.nomoreamd.com/ or to learn about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ Representatives from Macuhealth will be at our Annual Educational Conference on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 to share and talk about the benefits of taking this supplement. Our Scientific Co-Founder Dr. Michael Tolentino will also be there to answer any questions regarding supplements and Macuhealth. As always, please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. We hope to see you at our upcoming event. Thank you for your continued support.

Top Symptoms of Macular Degeneration..

2011-03-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

What are the TOP SYMPTOMS of MACULAR DEGENERATION? According to new studies, they include:seeing distorted images, blurred vision due to an inability to identify contrast,diminished ability to identify the intensity of colors, fluid or blood in the eye, and yellow deposits in the retina. The macula, which is located in the central region of the retina behind the eye, is responsible for clear vision.It is needed to discern colors, notice contrast, read, write, and appreciate fine details. Macular degeneration is the ineffective functioning of the macula. This disorder can be caused by either broken blood vessels that increase fluids in the eye or dried and degenerated cells in the eye.

There are two kinds of macular degeneration: wet and dry. When abnormal blood vessels develop behind the macula, wet macular degeneration occurs. For dry macular degeneration to occur, the macular cells degenerate and break, causing macular function disturbance.
Macular degeneration can be diagnosed based on a visual acuity test. This measures the eyes’ sensitivity to distances. Another test, tonometry, measures the pressure in the eye. The physician also preforms a dilated eye exam where the retina and optic nerves are examined for symptoms of macular degeneration.

To learn more about macular degeneration or about our Tampa conference on Saturday, March 28th, 2011. Please visit us at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at the conference.

References:http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/macular-degeneration-symptoms-macular/2011/03/04/id/370899

Seniors: Preserve Your Vision!! Millions of Americans Never Saw It Coming...20% Ages 55 and Older Won't Either!

2011-03-03T17:27:00.000-08:00

Awareness + Knowledge Can Help! Our Annual conference will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott.This event is an excellent opportunity for you and your family to learn about the latest advances in macular degeneration research, drugs, treatments, and therapies. It will also serve as an opportunity for participants to share questions, concerns and ideas with nationally known macular experts, other local doctors, patients and caregivers.

There will be general session presentations beginning in the morning that will continue throughout the day, exhibition sessions during the sponsored breaks, and a question and answer session at the conclusion of the conference. Topics covered will include everything from genetic testing to future treatments of macular degeneration, as well as clinical trials currently being offered and other alternative therapies.

The conference will run from 8:30am-5:00pm with registration beginning at 7:30am. Speakers include some of the most prominent names in the macular community, including Program Chair, Dr. Michael Tolentino, Dr. Dana Deupree, Dr. Sonya Braudway, Dr. Karen Gehrs, Dr. Benjamin Kim, Dr. Brian Madow, etc.

To register or for more information about the March 26th Educational Conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@maculardegenerationassociation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. To learn more about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/. Thank you for your continued support!

Awareness + Knowledge Can Help!

2011-02-25T08:04:00.000-08:00

More than two-thirds of Americans aged 55+ had an eye exam in the last year to maintain their vision, yet 80 percent don’t know that age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 60, according to a new national survey.As part of Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month, our organization would like to share information that we found beneficial and informative. The survey, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, also found that only 46 percent of respondents could correctly identify the risk factors for this serious, progressive eye disease and just half could identify any one symptom. Even more alarming is that of the 24 percent of people who are familiar with AMD, only 31 percent know that treatment options exist.

According to this survey and the article, approximately 15 million people in the United States have AMD, and more than 1.7 million Americans have the advanced form of the disease, known as wet AMD, which is more than cases of glaucoma and cataracts combined. About 200,000 new cases of wet AMD are diagnosed each year in North America. As a result of the aging Baby Boomer population, the National Eye Institute estimates that the prevalence of advanced AMD will grow to nearly 3 million by the end of the next decade.

What is AMD?
From our website: Macular degeneration is caused when part of the retina deteriorates. The retina is the interior layer of the eye. The macula is the central portion of the retina and is responsible for detailed vision.Age-related macular degeneration is the most common type of macular degeneration and is the leading cause of legal blindness in people older than 55 years in the United States. Age-related macular degeneration affects more than 9.1 million individuals in the United States. Owing to the rapid aging of the U.S. population, this number is expected to increase to almost 20 million by 2020. Because overall life expectancy continues to increase, age-related macular degeneration has become a major public health problem. To learn more about macular degeneration or our upcoming events, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support!

Resources: http://www.favstocks.com/boomers-vision-loss/2434523/
By: John Agno

Toxic Protein Accumulation and Dry Macular Degeneration

2011-02-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

A fair chunk of degenerative aging is caused by the accumulation of various kinds of damaging biochemicals, and here dry macular degeneration is added to that list: "A team of researchers, led by University of Kentucky ophthalmologist Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, has discovered a molecular mechanism implicated in geographic atrophy, the major cause of untreatable blindness in the industrialized world. ... Concurrent with this discovery, Ambati's laboratory developed two promising therapies for the prevention of the condition. ... Geographic atrophy, a condition causing the death of cells in the retina, occurs in the later stages of the 'dry type' of macular degeneration, a disease affecting some 10 million older Americans and causing blindness in over 1 million.There is currently no effective treatment for geographic atrophy, as its cause is unknown. Ambati's team discovered that an accumulation of a toxic type of RNA, called Alu RNA, causes retinal cells to die in patients with geographic atrophy. In a healthy eye, a 'Dicer' enzyme degrades the Alu RNA particles. ... We discovered that in patients with geographic atrophy, there is a dramatic reduction of the Dicer enzyme in the retina. When the levels of Dicer decline, the control system is short-circuited and too much Alu RNA accumulates. This leads to death of the retina. ... Alu elements make up a surprisingly large portion - about 11 percent by weight - of the human genome, comprising more than 1 million sequences. However, their function has been unknown, so they have been called 'junk' DNA or part of the 'dark' genome. For more information about research, to read this article, or to learn more about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support!

Link/ Resources: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-02/uok-pdi020311.php

Supplementation and Nutrition for Macular Degeneration...

2011-02-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss among the elderly. Although we do not have a cure, studies like AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study), have shown that nutritional supplementations can reduce the progression of the disease. Yet, as the word indicates, supplementation should be used to enhance an individual’s diet not to substitute it. The best source of nutrients comes from dietary intake and supplementation should be secondary to food modifications.There are an array of nutrients that have been shown to protect the eye from various degenerative diseases like AMD. Examples include but are not limited to fish, leafy green vegetables, nuts, blueberries and low glycemic foods. It is important to note that changes in a diet should be discussed with your physician to prevent any adverse effects. For example, high levels of vitamin K (found in leafy greens) may intensify the effects of blood thinning medications.Although it is preferable to get vitamins and minerals from food, it may be difficult to obtain the high doses needed from diet alone. These particular supplements are not one-size fits all. Although some patients may require nutritional supplementation, not everybody needs an AREDS style supplement and not all individuals should take it. Furthermore, mega-doses of vitamins may be contraindicated and/or harmful in particular cases. More is not always better and mega-doses may be associated with adverse affects. The proper recommendation may depend on age, gender, systemic health, social behavior, as well as current supplements and medications one is taking. Any ocular vitamin supplementation should be discussed with your eye care provider. In addition to a good diet and possible nutritional supplementation, lifestyle changes are beneficial in decreasing the prevalence and progression of AMD. These include smoking cessation, controlling blood pressure, exercising, maintaining a proper body mass index (BMI), avoiding processed foods, and limiting foods that have a high glycemic index (such as processed foods). In absence of health related issues or contraindications, addition of various vitamins, minerals, and herbs through a well-balanced diet may play a key role in helping in the fight against AMD. As always, getting a regular eye exam is still a must. For more information about nutrition or to learn about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.

Article written by: Dr. Diana Shechtman and Dr. Jeffry Gerson

Go Exotic, Good Nutrition for Your Eyes!

2011-02-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

By: Diana Shechtman, OD
Jeffry Gerson, OD

GO EXOTIC!! Antioxidants may be found in a number of exotic foods. Such antioxidants may include green tea & goji berries, which have a Chinese origin. Indian food, known for its curry spice, have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The French are known for their love of wine, which contains resveratrol, having some anti-oxidant properties, as well as cardio-protective benefits.In addition to a good diet and possible nutritional supplementation, lifestyle changes are beneficial in decreasing the prevalence and progression of AMD. These include smoking cessation, controlling blood pressure, exercising, maintaining a proper body mass index (BMI), avoiding processed foods, and limiting foods that have a high glycemic index (such as processed foods). In absence of health related issues or contraindications, addition of various vitamins, minerals, and herbs through a well-balanced diet may play a key role in helping in the fight against AMD. As always, getting a regular eye exam is still a must. For more information about treatments and experiments, please visit our website at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health regimen! Thank you for your continued support!

This Month HELP Spread Awareness....

2011-02-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

This month...HELP spread awareness about Age-related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision. February is Macular Degeneration and Low Visions Awareness Month. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the foremost cause of blindness for senior citizens. AMD is one of the causes of low vision, a term eye care professionals use to categorize substantial vision loss that cannot be helped by standard measures such as normal glasses, contacts, medicine or even eye surgery. AMD is a disorder that includes a variety of eye diseases that affect central vision. Central vision is what you see directly in front of you rather than what you see at the side (or periphery) of your vision. Macular degeneration is caused when part of the retina deteriorates. The retina is the interior layer of the eye. The macula is the central portion of the retina and is responsible for detailed vision.There is no cure for AMD, early detection and attention can stop advancement of the degeneration and therefore thwart vision loss. For individuals who have already suffered from vision impairment, a normal life can be maintained with low-vision rehabilitation. Please visit our website at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ to learn more about macular degeneration and about our upcoming events. As always, please consult your Physician before beginning a new health care regime. Thank you for your continued support.

February's Awareness for Macular Degeneration and Low Vision...

2011-02-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Did you know that February is Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month? To learn more about how we are helping to inform people about advances and treatments...our upcoming educational conference on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Tampa Westshore Marriott will discuss what exactly macular degeneration is, what is examined in a doctor's office visit, current treatments for macular degeneration,furture treatments, genetic testing, clinical trials offered for macular degeneration, the new telescope implant, low vision, alternative therapies, and a question and answer session.Presentations will be given by prominent macular degeneration physicians and clinicians to include: Dr. Michael Tolentino, Dr. Sonya Braudway, Dr. Dana Deupree, Dr. Karen Gehrs, Dr. Benjamin Kim, Dr. Brian Madow, etc. Not to mention, You will have the opportunity to interact and meet the doctors and various vendors that will be discussing and talking about services and products that help patients treat patients with macular degeneration. For more information about the March 26th Educational Conference and how to Register, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@maculardegenerationassociation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. To learn more about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ We look forward to seeing and meeting you at the conference. Thank you for your continued support.

Genetic Testing for AMD is Here Today...

2011-02-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

There are a number of factors affecting AMD, such as advanced age, smoking, UV exposure, overall health (that contribute to high blood pressure, obesity, diet) and family history. Many factors may be modified and yet others like genetics cannot.Although AMD may seem to be hereditary in some families and not others, genetics have been shown to contribute significantly to the disease.Multiple twin and sibling studies have collaborated to the familial nature of the disease. First-degree relatives of patients with AMD are at a significantly increased risk for the disease. Furthermore, large epidemiological studies have suggested a strong genetic risk factor for AMD. In fact, the risk of developing AMD increases 4 fold among patients with a positive family history.Today, Macula Risk (ArcticDX, Toronto, Ontario) is a genetic test specifically designed to determine genetic predisposition to AMD and vision loss attributed to the more advanced stage of the disease. Macula Risk genetic test separates individuals into one of 5 macula risk (MR) categories, with MR 3 through 5 representing an increased risk for the more advance stage of the disease. This accounts for approximately 20% of the general population. MR1 has less than a 5% risk of the advanced stage of the disease, while MR 5 carries greater than 55% risk. These results can aid the doctor in devising a specific management plan and follow-up protocol in order to reassure early intervention to prevent vision loss.The test only requires a simple in-office cheek swab, which is sent directly to the genetic lab. The report includes test results and written genetic support information (including access to genetic counseling). Macula Risk genetic testing is covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare, as long as the specific diagnosis (ICD-9) are identified by the doctor. The prognostic genetic test is intended for patients who have a diagnosis of early or intermediate AMD. Thus, the “at risk patient,” would have to pay a fee for the test. For more information about this article, other articles about research, or information about the Macular Degeneration Association please visit us at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new regime. Thank you for your continued support!

Article written by: Diana Shechtman OD FAAO & Steven Ferrucci OD FAAO

ABOUT THE MACULAR DEGENERATION ASSOCIATION (MDA)....

2011-01-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

Who are we?
The Macular Degeneration Association is a nonprofit health organization providing Age-Related Macular Degeneration research, information and advocacy.The mission of the organization is to cure macular degeneration and to improve the lives of all people affected by the disease.
To fulfill this mission, the MDA will fund research, publish scientific findings, provide funding for education, information and other services to people with macular degeneration, their families, healthcare professionals and the public. The foundation advocates for the increase in funding for scientific research and for the rights of people with macular degeneration.
The money raised by the foundation funds research,education, information programs and advocacy and awareness efforts that will support the over 9.1 million people with macular degeneration in communities across America. For more information about our organization, please visit our website at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org