What
is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a common cause of blindness
and vision impairment among people older than 50 in the United States. This condition also is called age-related
macular degeneration, or AMD. AMD damages the macula, a small part of the eye's light-sensitive retina, the layer
of tissue that sends vision signals to the brain. Macular degeneration is characterized by deposits known as drusen
that develop in the macula, although the reason these deposits accumulate is not known. There are two ways to lose vision
as a result of macular degeneration. Both occur during the early stage of the disorder.
For information on symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention click here. |
Research News
Featuring Harvard Medical School and Affiliated Hospitals
Educational Video Increases Knowledge but
not behavior changes in patients.
Common Variation in Three Genes may
influence risk of AMD.
HMS Completes Agreement with Merck
to develop potential therapy for AMD.
Biomarker for AMD Risk
High Levels of Amino Acid May be Biomarker for Increased AMD Risk.
Good and Bad Fats Linked to Progression of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Higher levels of good dietary fat, including fish and nuts, have been found to diminish the progression of AMD.
Study Shows Snack Foods May Increase Risk of AMD, Fish May Decrease
Risk
Higher consumption of a dietary fat commonly found in snack foods may be associated
with an increased risk of advanced AMD.
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Research Stories
From the Harvard University Gazette
Electric Eye Under Development
A tiny camera mounted on eyeglass frames would send visual images and
patterns of electric signals to an antenna and electrode chip sewn to the back wall of the eye. The device holds promise for those experiencing macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
>More
HU Gazette on Macular Degeneration
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Scientific Reports
From HMS Faculty Newsletter Focus
Enzyme Mends Fibers that Give Stretch to Tissues
Discovery about the bio-mechanical feats of elastin,
a protein polymer that works like a rubber band, holds promise
for understanding macular degeneration.
Researchers Eye Earliest Triggers of AMD
Cones are found to not be collecting enough light, thus leading to macular degeneration.
>More
Research Reports
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Digital Journal of Ophthalmology
