Research Finds New Eye Drops Could Treat Macular Degeneration

New research published in the journal PLos One earlier this month has many sufferers of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) hopeful for the possibility of a new treatment. 

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that gradually destroys the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision needed for seeing objects clearly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 2 million Americans over the age of 40 have poor vision caused by AMD.

The new findings experimented with a chemical PPADS (short for pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2’,4’-disulfonic acid) to repair AMD-related damage to the eye. Researchers at Tufts University in Massachusetts induced tissue damage and blood vessel growth characteristic of AMD in anesthetized mice and then applied PPADS daily, which resulted in the chemical healing the eye damage. 

The positive implication from this is the fact that a topical application of a drug - for example, in the form of an eye drop - could ultimately be used on humans to treat AMD. Previous research sought to show that certain dietary supplements, such as lutein, were effective in reducing the risk of progressing from dry macular degeneration to wet macular degeneration. This new study has many researchers excited for the possibilities of self-administered treatments. 

Ophthalmologist Thomas Henderson, M.D. explained, “If confirmed in humans, this chemical, given as an eye drop, could potentially reduce or eliminate the huge cost of and need for monthly injections into the eye to stabilize wet macular degeneration and preserve vision.”

Because this research is the first of its kind to demonstrate a topical application of a drug treating wet macular degeneration, much more research is now due in order to confirm this study’s findings.

Source: http://www.livescience.com/40387-eye-drops-could-treat-age-related-macular-degeneration.html 

Photo Credit: Ross Toro, myhealthnewsdaily.com 

Artificial Corneas Prove Promising for Transplants

A recent Swedish study proves artificial corneas may be a promising alternative to donor corneas. The study involved 10 patients with corneal damage and significant vision loss between the ages of 18 and 75. These individuals were the first in the world to be fitted with biosynthetic tissue as opposed to human donor corneas. Two years following the surgery, the patients had not experienced any serious reactions or complications.

Corneal transplants can be necessary in conditions such as kerotoconus (corneal damage where there is gradual thinning and bulging of the cornea). Disease of the cornea is one of the major causes of blindness worldwide and is often due to trauma or infection. In many parts of the world, there is a shortage of corneal donors causing waiting lists for the surgery.

According to Ophthalmologist Clayton Falknor, M.D., “A shortage of corneal donors is not typically an issue in the United States due to the excellent eye bank system. We are normally able to secure a donor cornea as necessary. However, globally this is a serious issue and research into synthetic alternatives is very important.”

Initial results from the Swedish study show that biosynthetic corneal implants could offer a solution to the current donor shortage worldwide. However, as the first study of its kind, far more research and much larger numbers of patients is needed to confirm the safe use of biosynthetic corneas.

SOURCE:
http://www.shorehamherald.co.uk/news/top-stories/health/partial-success-of-artificial-corneas-1-984091

Study Ties Cataract Surgery to Longer Life

An Australian study published this month in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, shows that people with vision loss attributed to cataracts who have had cataract surgery live longer than those with cataract-related vision loss who forgo the procedure. Those who had cataract surgery were found to have a 40 percent lower long-term mortality risk.

From 1992 to 2007, the study followed 354 individuals aged 49 years and older who had been diagnosed with vision impairment due to cataracts. Adjustments were made for a number of mortality risk factors including age, gender, diabetes, smoking, body mass index, hypertension, measures of frailty, and comorbid disease.

Corroborating previous research indicating that individuals with visual impairment were likely to have a greater mortality risk than their peers with normal vision, this study continues to suggest that healthy vision results in general good health.

The correlation between visual impairment correction and reduced mortality is not completely clear, but possible factors include improved physical and emotional well-being, greater optimism and confidence, and ability to comply with prescription medications.

Ophthalmologist Thomas Henderson, M.D., explained, “My experience matches the results of this study. Even with Alzheimer’s, the patients who get their cataracts removed do better because of increased contact with the world. Thirty years ago, I had a patient who was bilaterally blind from cataract. She was on psychiatric medication because she thought people were stealing from her and others thought she was just paranoid. I did cataract surgery giving her normal vision in both eyes. She stopped her medication because she was better oriented to the world, and the stealing stopped because she could see.”

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging and by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. To determine if you have cataracts, contact your ophthalmologist and schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

SOURCES:
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/09/04/5706150/study-shows-that-people-who-undergo.html  

http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp

New Study Ties Early Menopause to Glaucoma

Women who experience early meno-
pause may be at higher risk for dev-
eloping glaucoma later in life.

A new study from the Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute in Amsterdam shows women who experience early menopause may be at a higher risk of developing glaucoma later in life. The study tracked 3,000 women, and those who went through natural menopause before the age of 45 were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma than women who went through menopause at age 50 or older.

Glaucoma is caused by fluid accumulating in the eye, which then puts pressure on the eye’s optic nerve. It is a leading cause of blindness in the US, and has no symptoms or pain when it first develops. Medicine, laser treatment, and conventional surgery are used to treat the disease. Ophthalmologist Clayton Falknor, M.D. explained, “While these treatments can help prevent future loss of vision, they do not improve sight already lost from the disease which is why it’s so important to schedule eye exams as you age.”

This study’s result signals that female hormones may protect against the disease. Hormone replacement therapy is thought to reduce fluid pressure in the eye, and researchers of the study also note that hormone levels rise during pregnancy causing fluid pressure in the eye to decrease.

“This study shows the potential value of analysis of large amounts of data. Although I have seen patients for over 30 years, this is not a connection that I have considered. At this time, I am not prepared to prescribe hormone therapy for menopausal women with glaucoma,” said Ophthalmologist Thomas Henderson M.D.

As glaucoma research continues, it’s still very important to schedule comprehensive eye exams as you age to detect any issues and begin treatment, if needed.

Sources:
http://www.tele-management.ca/2013/08/study-links-early-menopause-to-glaucoma-risk/
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp#a