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3/23/08

MD Support Library

Find articles in the following subject areas:

Current Research & Development
Eye Conditions
Health & Nutrition
Therapies, Treatments, & Procedures
Miscellaneous Subjects
MD Support Press Releases

Current Research and Developments

Abortion Drug Offers Hope For People With Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Mifepristone, also known as ru486, shows promise as a potential treatment for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), a condition which can lead to loss of central vision.

Accutane May Inhibit Progression of Stargardt's Disease: A prescription drug used to treat acne has been shown to inhibit the development of Stargardt's disease in rodents.

AMD Associated With Heart Attack and Stroke: Researchers at the University of Sydney have found that people suffering from AMD have twice the risk of dying from heart attack or stroke.

Antiangiogenic Drugs Are Stopping Neovascularization in Wet Macular Degeneration.: A report on drug studies now underway to stop new blood vessel growth in the retina. (Continually updated)

Artificial Retina Implanted in Humans: Tom Hoglund, of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, reports on the Artificial Silicon Retina. Clinical trials have begun for the device which is being developed to replace retinal photoreceptor cells lost to diseases like retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome and macular degeneration.

Aspirin and AMD: An attempt to shed some light on the issue of aspirin and macular degeneration.

Avastin for Wet AMD?: Genentech Pharmaceuticals' position on the issue.

Bacterial Infection Linked to AMD: The common bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae may lead to a higher risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Brain Reorganizes to Adjust for Loss of Vision: A study shows that when patients with macular degeneration focus on using another part of their retina to compensate for their loss of central vision, their brain seems to compensate by reorganizing its neural connections.

Carbon Dioxide May Improve Vision in AMD Patients: A report on a new combination drug therapy that is showing surprising results.

CATT Trials Beginning: The NEI's "Comparisons of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials" (CATT) are studying the relative safety and effectiveness of Lucentis and Avastin.

CD36 Deficiency May Cause Dry AMD: Now in trials, an anti-platelet derived growth factor aptamer is being combined with an antiangiogenic agent for treating wet AMD.

Cells From The Iris May Replace Retinal Photoreceptors: A report on recent research from Japan, with comments by Tom Hoglund.

C3 Gene Variant Increases Risk of AMD: Researchers have found a gene variant that can more than double the risk of AMD.

C-reactive Protein Levels Connected to Macular Degeneration: A report on the possible connection between the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood and macular degeneration.

Discovery of HTRA1 Gene Provides Potential Marker for AMD: A blood test to identify the mutant HTRA1 gene can now identify those who are up to s even times more likely to develop AMD than those with a normal gene.

Drusen Fragments May Lead to Wet AMD: Fragments of two known components of drusen have been identified as a possible cause of dry AMD progressing to the wet form.

Drusen Lasering: Lasering of drusen has been found ineffective and potentially harmful as a preventative treatment for wet AMD.

E10030: Anti-PDGF Aptamer: Now in trials, an anti-platelet derived growth factor aptamer is being combined with an antiangiogenic agent for treating wet AMD.

Echothiophate (ECHO) Therapy Causes a Stir in the Low Vision Community: A Connecticut ophthalmologist has been reporting success from a deceptively simple treatment on patients with Stargardt's disease and other non-neovascular forms of retinal disease.

Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT)--A New Drug Delivery System: A means of delivering drugs into the retina on a time release basis has been developed and proven safe and effective.

Exercise May Protect Against Wet AMD: Researchers have discovered that those who engage in regular physical activity at least three times a week are 70% less likely to develop neovascularization.

Fenretinide May Slow Vision Loss in Patients with Dry AMD and Stargardt's Disease: Fenretinide has been found to slow the production and accumulation of a toxin that leads to vision loss.

FFB-Sponsored Study Leads to Discovery of New AMD Gene: A new gene discovery adds to the growing proof that macular degeneration can be hereditary.

Foundation Researchers Restore Vision in Canine Model of Childhood Blindness: A report on a major breakthrough in gene therapy.

Foundation Researchers Use Gene Therapy to Restore Retinal Function in an Animal Model: A second group of researchers has used gene therapy to restore vision in an animal model of retinal degeneration.

Gene Therapy Breakthrough: According to two studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine, doctors have, for the first time, used gene replacement therapy to restore vision in patients with Leber's congenital amaurosis.

Gene Therapy Studies Successful in Slowing Neovascularization: Researchers have successfully slowed neovasculariztion in two different gene therapy studies.

Gene Therapy Successful in Halting CNV: Researchers at Johns Hopkins have been able to halt (at least temporarily) choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using gene replacement therapy.

Genetic Testing Sheds Light On Degenerative Eye Disease: Genetic testing for eye disease is providing vital information about complex retinal diseases, especially when used to confirm a clinician's diagnosis.

Glucocorticoids and Secondary Stress as Combined Causes of Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Type A People: A theoretical paper by Dan Roberts about a unique function of the Type A behavior pattern that may be a precipitator of a self-perpetuating cycle of hormonal imbalance leading to CSC.

Human Retinal Stem Cells Discovered: Discovery of human retinal stem cells that have the ability to regenerate themselves. (October 2004)

Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) For AMD and Stargardt's Disease: Update from VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc. (VisionCare) regarding clinical trials. (October 2004)

Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 Linked to Dry AMD: Two studies show that some cases of age-related macular degeneration may stem from genetically driven production of these cytokines.

Intraocular Injections and Eye Pain: An article addressing the issue of pain and eye redness accompanying injection of anti-angiogenic drugs for wet MD.

Ketoconazole May Help CSR Patients: A small study is now enrolling patients to test the possibility of treating CSR with the drug ketoconazole, which supresses adrenal hormone production.

Ketoconazole May Help CSR Patients: A small study is now enrolling patients to test the possibility of treating CSR with the drug ketoconazole, which supresses adrenal hormone production.

Lipschitz Macular Implant Allows Bilateral Magnification of Vision: A second generation implantable telescope preserves peripheral vision, allowing use of the device in both eyes.

Mouse Model Developed for AMD and Stargardt's Research: A research team at the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Utah has developed a mouse model of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt's disease.

Mueller Cells May Restore Sight: Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute have discovered a chemical in the eye responsible for transforming Mueller cells into stem-like (progenitor) cells.

New MD Gene Discovered: Researchers at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center have discovered a genetic link to a form of macular degeneration.

New Dry AMD Gene Found: Researchers have found a genetic link associated with dry AMD, but siRNA drug therapy may increase the risk for dry AMD in patients who have that genetic variant.

New Retinal Vessels Formed From Stem Cells: Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have succeeded in forming new retinal blood vessels in mice with ocular disease.

PKC 412 - New Drug May Halt Vision Loss: PKC 412, a drug being tested at Johns Hopkins, may prevent the development of new blood vessels and arrest the course of "wet" macular degeneration.

New Radiation Treatment For Wet AMD: The proprietary Epi-Rad90�Z Ophthalmic System, developed by NeoVista, Inc., is being utilized in the CABERNET clinical trial.

Pearls from Recent Studies on Low Vision Rehabilitation and Psychosocial Issues: Research of interest to the AMD Community as presented at Vision 2008, Montreal, Canada

Phototrop Improves Vision in ARMD Patients: Patients in the early stages of ARMD have shown significant improvement after treatment with a compound from Italy.

Photrex Trials Show Beneficial Results: Doctors report successful results from testing of new photodynamic therapy drug. (October 2004)

POT-4 for Treatment of AMD: If trials are successful, POT-4 could be an effective treatment for AMD until further research leads to a genetic cure.

RDH5 Gene Mutation Can Cause Macular Dystrophy: Japanese researchers have found that mutations in the RDH5 gene can cause macular dystrophy, fundus albipunctatus, and/or night blindness. (September 2003)

Report from the 2006 Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology: A summary of pertinent information for macular degeneration patients, including latest research findings and new products

Report from ARVO 2009: A summary of significant reports to the 2009 annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).

Researchers Restore Vision In an Animal Model of Childhood Blindness: In a research project funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness a chemical derivative of vitamin A was used to restore vision in mice specially bred to have severe retinal degenerative disease.

Retina Developed From Human Stem Cells: Advanced Cell Technology in Massachusetts announced on September 23, 2004 that they have engineered human embryonic stem cells which could be used to repair a damaged retina. (Updated November 2004)

Robo-4 and Slit2 May Team Up Against Wet AMD: Robo-4, a protein receptor found on the surface of blood vessel cells, may be a link to another potential treatment for wet AMD.

SAILOR Study Results Favorable: Final, one-year data support the long-term safety and efficacy profile of Lucentis.

Second AMD Gene Discovered: A second gene, called fibulin 5, has been shown to be related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Sight From Fetal Cell Transplantation: Scientists have had preliminary success transplanting double layers of cells from the retinas of aborted fetuses. Updated September 2004.

siRNA Turns Off Bad Genes: A new type of anti-VEGF drug called "small interference RNA (siRNA)," is showing promise in its ability to turn off genes that cause wet AMD.

Stem Cell Procedures Promising: Two studies are showing success at using human stem cell transplantation to treat retinal disease in rodents.

Stem Cell Transplantation: Hope With An Ethical Price Tag: A summary of the history of stem cell research and the debate over the ethical issues involved in use of embryos.

Stem Cells Have Restored Vision: Scientists from Harvard's Schepens Eye Research Institute have, for the first time, suc cessfully improved the vision of mice with transplanted stem cells. (November 2004)

Stem Cells Promise Cure: Dry AMD patients have gained sight from stem cell transplantation trials in India.

Summary of New Research: 2005-2006: High points of the pertinent research from June 2005 through May 2006.

Summary of Research & Developments in Macular Degeneration: 2006-07: A review of the year from May 2006 through May 2007.

Summary of Research & Developments in Macular Degeneration: 2007-08: A review of the year from May 2007 through May 2008.

The First Seven Years: An overview by Dan Roberts of stem cell transplantation research for treatment of retinal disease, written for the scientific paper of the Vitreo-retinal Study Group Stem Cell Research Project, Centrofama Clinics, Murcia, Spain.

The Latest in Research and Treatment: A summary of developments from June 2008 through May 2009. PDF format. Also available as an audio/visual flash presentation.

Time Magazine Report on Gene Therapy: An overview of gene therapy, an experimental method of delivering medications or healthy genes to degenerated retinal cells.

U-M Scientist Finds Clues in the Development of Light-Sensitive Eye Cells: A new study has implications for understanding macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Eye Conditions

Cataracts as a Complication of Retinal Surgery: A description of cataracts, cataract surgery, and possible development of cataracts as a result of retinal surgery.

Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Charles Bonnet Syndrome is a condition which causes hallucinations in some visually-impaired people.

Cone-Rod Dystrophy: A description of the disease and its causes.

Degenerative Myopia: a Review of its Nature and its Treatment: A paper by Brian Ward, Ph.D., M.D. describing the disease and the use of scleral buckling to prevent axial extension.

Dominant Drusen: A description of the disease (aka Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy and Malattia Leventinese) and its causes.

Floaters and Flashers: An explanation of these sometimes disturbing visual effects.

Macular Hole, Epiretinal Membranes, and Macular Pucker Have Similar Origins: Descriptions of three similar conditions which affect central vision.

Myopic Degeneration: The causes of, and treatments for, retinal degeneration caused by myopia (near-sightedness).

Pattern Dystrophies: A description of a con dition which is often mistaken for ARMD.

Retinal Detachment: A definition of the condition and a discussion of the surgery available .

Retinal Telangiectasias: A description of this group of diseases, which includes idiopathic JXT, Leber's miliary aneurysms, and Coats' disease

Stargardt Disease--Information for Patients and Their Families: An introduction to Stargardt disease by Janet S. Sunness, M.D.

Stargardt's Disease: A description of the most commonly diagnosed form of juvenile macular degeneration.

Types of Juvenile Macular Degeneration: Descriptions of the most common forms of macular degeneration which affect young people.

What Is Macular Degeneration?: An overview of macular degeneration, with accompanying photos.

Health & Nutrition

Alternative Medicine: Two opposing viewpoints are expressed regarding the uses of alternative medicine in treating macular degeneration.

A New Look At Eye Health: An article by health journalist Bill Sardi from the "Nutrition Science News."

Antioxidant Values: A list of foods containing high antioxidant levels for good retinal health.

Bilberry and Other Bioflavinoids: How bilberry relates to macular degeneration.

Blue Light and Antioxidants: Study shows low antioxidant levels are correlated with risk of blue light damage.

Blue Light and Macular Degeneration: From "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide To Saving And Maximizing Your Sight," a discussion of blue light and protection against retinal damage.

Brand Name Dietary Supplements: Descriptions of most commercially-available dietary supplements for eye health.

Carotenoids: A report by Gislin Dagnelie, Ph.D. on new information about carotenoids from the 2001 Gordon Research Conference.

Clinical Trial Finds Antioxidants and Zinc Beneficial in Reducing Risk of Severe AMD: A report by Tom Hoglund on the long-awaited results of a breakthrough study.

Descriptions of Antioxidant Vitamins, Nutrients, and Minerals: A compilation by Wendy Watt, O.D. of antioxidants which are beneficial to the retina.

Good News For Chocolate Lovers, Cautionary Advice for Wine Drinkers: Cocoa, red wine and green tea are all good for the retinas, but too much wine could increase cancer risk.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: A report on studies which support the protective effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on macular degeneration. Updated April 2004.

New Information About Beta Carotene And Smoking: An important long-term study has shown that smokers who consume reasonable amounts of beta carotene in combination with a wide variety of antioxidants actually have a 16% lower risk of developing lung cancer.

No Smoking: An article by Linda Kaspari about the effects of smoking on the eyes and other body systems. Updated with new genetic findings, March 2006.

Omega-3 Proving to be Beneficial on Several Fronts: Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids and fish consumption may reduce the risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer's disease, inflammation and depression.

Study Demonstrates Essential Role of Zeaxanthin in Eye Health: Schepens/Harvard study provides direct proof of dietary nutrient's essential role in protecting the retina from the damaging effects of light.

Sight From Spinach: Light-sensitive proteins in chlorophyll may provide treatment for some eye diseases. An article from the ORNL Reporter.

Study Shows That Vitamin E Does Not Prevent Macular Degeneration: New research has concluded that daily intake of vitamin E does not prevent the development or progression of early or later stages of age related macular degeneration.

Vitamin C May Lower Statin Levels: A UC Berkeley study suggests that 1,000 mg of daily supplemental vitamin C can lower concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), the marker associated with systemic inflammation.

You May Need Vitamin D: By protecting your retinas from sunlight, you may be depriving yourself of a natural source of Vitamin D.

Zinc May Harm the Retina: New Finding: Researchers at London's Institute of Ophthalmology think the mineral zinc may play a role in the development of AMD.

Therapies, Treatments, and Procedures

Biocurrent Therapy: Description of a therapy developed from early studies of microcurrent stimulation, with improvements in the science and application.

Cataract Surgery and Macular Degeneration: A report on the advisability of cataract surgery for people who have retinal degeneration

Cholesterol and ARMD: Different studies draw opposing conclusions about whether ta king cholesterol-lowering drugs could slow the progression of MD. Updated September 2003.

Fluorescein and Indocyanine Green Angiograms: A report on the dyes and the process used in a common form of ophthalmic examination.

Macular Translocation: An explanation of experimental surgery, in which vision is restored by shifting the macula to a healthier portion of the retina. Updated November 2003.

Microcurrent Stimulation: Information about this controversial therapy.

Microcurrent Stimulation Testimonial "Blown Out of Proportion": Sam Snead's vision did not b enefit from MCS, according to son.

Phi-Motion Angiography and Micro-Laser Treatment: Treating microscopic feeder vessels using phi-motion angiography and pinpoint laser.

Photodynamic Therapy: A discussion of the use of Visudyne and light to control wet MD. Updated September, 2002.

Proton Beam Therapy: An article on the experimental use of radiation to treat wet MD.

Submacular Surgery: An article on current clinical trials studying submacular surgery as a treatment for subchoroidal neovascularization, the wet form of MD, including a list of centers holding trials.

Transpupillary Thermotherapy (TTT) Trials Continue: Iridex Corporation announces new results from TTT4CNV Clinical Trial. (Updated March 1, 2005)

Vitrectomy Surgery: A report on vitrectomy surgery, a procedure sometimes used in treating damage to, or diseases of, the retina.

Miscellaneous Subjects

A Guide to Research in Dry AMD: A guide to all leading research to date in the field of dry AMD for the purpose of identifying information of interest specifically to patients in the early and intermediate stages of AMD.

Age-related Macular Degeneration Does Not Cause Blindness: A revealing opinion poll sponsored by MD Support shows that a strong majority of people affected by AMD do not think of themselves as blind, and they do not want the term to be used to describe their visual impairment.

Artificial Lighting and the Blue Light Hazard: The facts about lighting and vision, including a definition of light and how it affects the retina, descriptions of types of lamps, and a comparison of 19 "full spectrum," "daylight," and other types of high-intensity lamps on the market.

A Safer Way to Treat SAD: Richard L. Hansler, Ph.D., proposes that wearing blue-blocking glasses in the hours before bedtime have advantages over the use of melatonin pills or bright light therapy for Seasonally Affective Disorder (SAD).

Changes in the Retina Due to Aging: A summary of how aging of the eye can lead to retinal maculopathies.

Color Perception and Macular Degeneration: An explanation of why MD patients lose their color vision.

Computer Vision Syndrome and Computer Glasses: A comprehensive description of the symptoms of CVS and how to correct it.

Depression and Macular Degeneration: From "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide To Saving And Maximizing Your Sight," Lylas Mogk, M.D. and Marja Mogk offer suggestions for dealing with the depression that often accompanies a diagnosis of MD.

Descriptions of Low Vision Magnifiers: Information about the types of magnifiers available for use by the vision-impaired.

Descriptive Terminology for Macular Degeneration: Am important directive for those who communicate with the public about macular degeneration and related diseases that may lead to central vision loss.

Doctors Don't Like To Talk To Patients: An editorial by Frank J. Weinstock, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Drugs With Adverse Effects On Ophthalmic Conditions: A listing of drugs and their possible effects.

Eccentric Viewing: How people can train other areas of their retinas to take over when central vision is lost.

Email Discussion Groups May Improve Health: A study has shown that email discussion groups may improve back pain. Could the same hold true for visual impairment?

Fifteen Tips For Family and Friends: From "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide To Saving And Maximizing Your Sight," Lylas Mogk, M.D. and Marja Mogk give advice on how to help someone who has been diagnosed with macular deg eneration.

Financial Assistance for Eye Care: A listing of agencies providing aid for qualified people who cannot afford eye care.

Finding A LowVis Specialist: Stephen Goldberg, O.D. has written a guide to help locate a low vision specialist and to give an idea of what to expect in the examination.

Foresee PHP Sets New Standard of Care for AMD Patients: The Foresee preferential hyperacuity perimetry (PHP) allows eye doctors to detect progression to wet AMD sooner than with standard methods.

How Visual Acuity Is Measured: Answers to the common question: "What do those fractions and numbers mean?"

How to Make Your Site More Accessible: Guidelines for making web sites friendlier to visually-impaired people.

Ideas on Coping With Low Vision: Over 100 ways to improve your everyday life.

Is Brittany Blind?: A presentation by Dan Roberts to music therapy students at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Lighting For Low Vision: Information and suggestions for better lighting in your home and office.

Numbers of People with Macular Degeneration and Other Retinal Diseases: A summary based on published surveys, clinical reports, and educated guesses.

Preferential Hyperacuity Perimetry (PHP): A New Method of Detecting AMD Progression: A report on a device that identifies deviations in the retina using a vision test based upon the hyperacuity phenomenon.

Save Your Sight: You Can Slow Down AMD's Progression: An article by MD Support Director Dan Roberts published in Boomer Advisor magazine, October 2007 (PDF format).

Saving Lives: The Impact of Vision Loss in Later Life: A presentation by Lylas Mogk, M.D. on the impact of vision loss among seniors, especially those with macular degeneration.

SmartSight: Making the Most of Low Vision: Information for patients from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

State Vision Screening and Standards for License to Drive: Information from "Summary of Medical Advisory Board Practices, 2003."

A Summary of Risk Factors for AMD: New and previously-identified risk factors in the development of age-related macular degeneration.

Stargardt's Patients Need Special Light Protection: Cautionary advice from Robert Hammer, B. Optom.

Sunglasses and Macular Degeneration: How to select the right sunglasses for good retinal health.

Ten Basic Courtesies For the Centrally Blind: Simple rules of etiquette of which families and friends should be aware.

What Can I Do To Keep Busy?: How to help fill your days with activities that don't require good vision.

What Is a Clinical Trial?: A description of the experimental process and its four phases.

What Should I Ask My Doctor?: Questions to print out and take with you to your next appointment.

What to Expect From a Low Vision Specialist: An overview of typical services provided.

What Your Low Vision Doctor Needs To Know: A time-saving checklist for you to print and fill out for your first low vision doctor appointment (PDF format)

Wolves In Sheep's Clothing: How To Avoid Charity Rip-offs: An important article about protecting yourself against dishonest solicitors.

Your Spectacle Prescription Explained: Help in deciphering those numbers and abbreviations on your spectacle prescription.

MD Support Press Releases

New National Low Vision Support Group Will Bring Information to Thousands: For the first time, Internet conferencing technology will bring much-needed information and support to the "unconnected" visually impaired.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Does Not Cause Blindness: An unprecedented survey of more than 250 AMD patients confirms the true facts about the disease.

Visually Impaired, Not Blind: People with age-related macular degeneration are pleased and relieved to see the word "blind" on its way out as a description of their visual condition.