| 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
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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
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