Age-related macular
degeneration    
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a debilitating eye
disease affecting about 15 million American. It is the most common
cause of severe vision loss among people over 60.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) appears in two forms, the
more common "dry" form and the less common "wet" form. The wet
form is responsible for 10 percent of disease cases, but can very
quickly lead to blindness. While, the dry form is responsible for 90
percent of disease cases, it progresses more slowly. The symptoms
may include blurry or fuzzy vision, difficulty recognizing familiar faces,
'wavy' straight lines, dark or empty area appears in the center of
vision and rapid loss of central vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) destroys central vision by
attacking macula (locates in the center of retina). Because only the
center of vision is affected, people rarely go blind from this disease.
However, AMD can make suffers difficult to read, drive, and play
sports, watching movies and television. In normal aging process,
yellowish waste deposits accumulate around the macula, but in
individuals with AMD, these yellowish waste deposits are larger and
more numerous.

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have identified a gene
(known as complement factor H (CFH)) for AMD on a region of
chromosome 1 using interdisciplinary approach. They also found that
both forms are associated with the same variant in the CFH gene.

Possible Treatments- Krypton laser photocoagulation at low power
setting [1] However, Benyelles N and Soubrane G. at Centre
ophtalmologigue universitaire de Creteil, France, point out that laser
photocoagulation has only been shown to be beneficial for extra and
juxtafoveal well defined lesions. While, PDT with verteporfin is
effective in the management of patients with subfoveal predominatly
classic lessions. [4]

A variety of molecules such as bevacizumab, pegaptanib sodium and
ranibizumab have shown some effects on the disease. [4]

Application of Avastin found to be useful in AMD but there are some
side effects. [Details]

Herb / nutritional supplements: ginkgo biloba [2], vitamins C and
E, and lutein and zeaxanthin [3] While, Johnson EJ and Schaefer EJ
at Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition
Research Center on Aging at Tufts University suggested DHA in fish
and fish oil might be helpful on reduction in the risk. [5]

References
1.Zhang CF et al, Krypton laser photocoagulation at low power setting for age-related
macular degeneration complicated with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. Zhonghua
Yan Ke Za Zhi, 2004 Dec;40(12):808-11 2. Evans JR. Ginkgo biloba extract for age-related
macular degeneration, Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD001775 3. Bartlett H et al,
An ideal ocular nutritional supplement? Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2004 Jul;24(4):339-49. [4]
Benyelles N. et al, Age-related macular degeneration. Rev. Prat. 2006 Jun 15(11):1194-201.
[5] Johnson EJ and Schaefer EJ., Potential role of dietary n-3 fatty acids in the prevention of
dementia and macular degeneration. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jun;83(6 Suppl):14945-1498S.

The information in this article does not substitute for advice or information provided by
your physician. In addition, please consult your physician for further information. ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED 2006-2007

                                                HOME