Tuesday, April 26, 2011
New Treatments for Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Omega-3 Fatty Acid's Relationship with Macular Degeneration...
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.maculardegenera
Resources: by: Emilia Klapp
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.maculardegenera
Resources: by: Emilia Klapp
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What Berries Can Do for YOU!
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.maculardegenera
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.maculardegenera
Thursday, April 7, 2011
HOSTED FIRST EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE
ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF WET AND DRY MACULAR DEGENERATION:
WHAT PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW!
Tampa, Florida
On March 26th, 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.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Advances in The Treatment of Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration, What Patients Should Know!
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
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.
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.
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 26th 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!
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@maculardegenera
References:http://www.pcworld.com/art
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Did you know that an Unhealthy Diet and Poor Population Means Many Will Lose Sight!
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@maculardegenera
References:http://www.diet.co.uk/news
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@maculardegenera
References:http://www.diet.co.uk/news
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