Macular Degeneration In the News

Don’t neglect your eyesight

2011-01-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

Diana Shechtman OD FAAO
Although most people have an annual physical or dental exam, often times the annual eye exam is overlooked. Eyesight plays a critical role in our day-to-day lives. The ability to see certainly affects and interferes with the world around us. Good quality vision is taken for granted until it begins to deteriorate. Visual impairment leads to a decrease in our ability to perform activities of daily living, including driving, computer use and reading. 1,2 Visual impairment is one of the most common disabilities, affecting 314 million people worldwide and3 the majority of visually impaired patients are adults over the age of 65. Common eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts contribute to this. 4,5 Current and future research devoted to ocular disease will unquestionably provide better understanding of such diseases, viable treatment options and better visual outcome.
Eye care professional provide high quality eye care through the use of evidence based medicine enabling the advancement of eye care delivery and the development of new treatment options. In addition, eye care professionals provide good vision to their patients. Patients who experience vision loss attributed to eye related diseases are the ones that are at greatest need for proper visual enhancement. Moreover, uncorrected refractive error has been identified as a leading cause of visual impairment. 6
A routine eye exam is comprised of an overall health assessment of the eye and related structures, as well as the evaluation of vision, the visual system and vision processing. Various eye diseases, like age related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma are insidious and hence, a routine eye exam may identify such conditions before problems ensue. Early diagnosis of ocular disease leads to prompt treatment intervention and better prognosis. Patients need to be cognizant of the importance of annual and routine eye exams. Appropriate and routine eye care reduces the impact of various ocular conditions.
One of the main goals of an eye care professional is to ensure the best corrective vision for the patient. In fact, that is what patients expect. 7 According to a recently published on-line survey conducted among 7 distinct countries (US, France, UK, Italy, Japan, Korea and China), it was determined that vision was by far the most crucial element to all patients.7 The NSIGHT (Needs, symptoms, incidence, global, eye health trends) study was conducted among 3,800 patients with visual corrective needs ranging in age from 15 to 65 years.3 The survey evaluated 40 different needs related to eye conditions, comfort, environment, convenience, health vision, personal performance and appearance. The study’s primary goal was to determine the ranking associated with patients needs when it came to choosing eye-related products. Among the 8 classifications in the study, the two most persuasive categories were vision followed by eye health, while personal performance and comfort rank at the lowest range of the spectrum.
Eye care professionals continue to restore and improve their patients’ sight. What they do everyday is fundamental and ultimately it is what is most important to the patient. So see your eye care professional today.

References
1. Haymes SA, Johnston AW, Heyes AD. Relationship between vision impairment and ability to perform activities of daily living. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2002; 22: 79–173.
2. Lamoureux EL, Hassell JB, Keeffe JE. The determinants of participation in activities of daily living in people with impaired vision. AJO 137: 265-70.
3. Visual impairment and blindness. World Health organization. www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs282/en/ last accessed January 17, 2011.
4. Congdon N, O'Colmain B, Klaver CC, Klein R. et al. Causes and prevalence of visual impairment among adults in the United States. Archives of Ophthalmology 2004; 122:477-85.
5. Visual impairment and blindness. World Health organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs282/en/ Last access Jan 16, 2011.
6. Congdon NG, Friedman DS, Lietman T. Important Causes of Visual Impairment in the World Today. JAMA 2003; 290: 2057-2060.
7. Mack CJ, Merchea MM, Thomas H. A global survey reveals vision needs of highest importance amongst a vision-corrected population. Poster presented at AAO 2010; San Francisco

U-M device can predict diabetes through eyes

2011-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

by: PATRICIA ANSTETT

A vision testing device developed by two University of Michigan researchers is showing promise in the detection of diabetes, both in its early and potentially blinding stages.

It also may help diagnose changes that occur in the eye as early as 10 years before a person is diagnosed with macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.

Eventually, eye doctors may use the device to determine if vitamins and drug injections taken by patients with macular degeneration actually stop progression of the disease, said Dr. Victor Elner, professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at U-M's Kellogg Eye Center.

Or it may help people at risk of diabetes, or diagnosed with it, to avoid complications by managing their disease with healthy diets and medicines, said Howard Petty, PhD, a U-M biophysicist and imaging expert and senior author of the study.

The device awaits further study and federal approval. Elner, Petty and a team of U-M scientists described their findings Monday in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.

Elner and Petty, who developed the device, have filed for a patent and formed a company, OcuSciences Inc. of Ann Arbor. Elner said the team definitely plans to study whether vitamins taken by people at risk of macular degeneration help them avoid getting the disease.

The device is a camera linked to computer software that provides a numerical value, or score, that suggests the beginnings or progression of a disease. It measures the activity of a protein associated with abnormal cell changes associated with both diabetes and certain eye diseases. The team hopes to develop composite pictures of images taken of the retina.

The test takes a snapshot of the retina. It is quick, painless and inexpensive -- as little as $20 for each test, compared to as much as $120 or more for standard blood glucose testing for diabetes, Petty said. It also avoids the need to fast and have blood drawn three times for standard oral glucose tests, he said.

The team is focused on diabetes, Elner said, because in nine of 10 cases of diabetes, these abnormal changes occur. Diabetes also is a major U.S. public health problem. Some 24 million Americans are diagnosed with the disease and another 57 million have abnormal blood sugar levels that are considered pre-diabetic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 4.1 million people 40 or older have diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding complication of the disease.

MACULAR DEGENERATION ASSOCIATION (MDA): ANNOUNCES UPCOMING WINTER SEMINAR

2011-01-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

MACULAR DEGENERATION ASSOCIATION (MDA)
New Advances in the Treatment and Management of Macular Degeneration

Winter Seminar
February 7, 2011

Co-Sponsored by Winter Haven Hospital

January 18, 2011 (MMD Newswire) -- The Macular Degeneration Association will be hosting a seminar on Monday, February 7th, 2011 at Winter Haven Hospital's auditorium in Winter Haven, Florida from 12:00pm to 4:00pm to share information and provide macular patients and caregivers in Southern Florida an opportunity to learn about the latest information surrounding treatments, and drugs. There will also be a forum where patients and caregivers can exchange their questions and concerns with experts in the field of macular, as well as other patients.

This four hour program will feature guest lecturer, Dr. Michael Tolentino, a well known retina specialist from Winter Haven, Florida. "We are fortunate to have a distinguished doctor to speak to patients about macular degeneration," said Chairman, Lawrence Hoffheimer.

Program topics include:
New Advances in the Treatment and Management of Macular Degeneration
The Future of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatments

This educational seminar is free of charge, space is limited, please call and reserve your place today. For more information please contact Donna Auger at dauger@maculardegenerationassociation.org or by phone at (727)478-4708

About the Macular Degeneration Association (MDA)

The Macular Degeneration Association is a nonprofit health organization providing Age-related macular degeneration research, information, and advocacy. The mission of the organization is to cure macular degeneration and to improve the lives of all people affected by the disease. To fulfill this mission, MDA will fund research, publish scientific findings, provide funding for information and other services to people with macular degeneration, their families, health care professionals, and the public. The foundation also expects to be actively involved in advocating for scientific research and for the rights of the people with macular degeneration. The money raised by the Macular Degeneration Association funds research, information programs, education, advocacy, and awareness efforts that will support the over 9.1 million people with macular degeneration in communities across America. For more information about the foundation please log onto www.maculardegenerationassociation.org. Thank you for your support.

Age-Related Eye Disease Declining in U.S.

2011-01-15T01:04:00.000-08:00

by: (HealthDay News)
The rate of age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of vision loss in the United States, has decreased in the last 15 years, a new study finds.

Researchers analyzed data from 7,081 people, aged 40 and older, who took part in the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The participants were assessed for signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and about 6.5 percent were found to have the disease.

The 1988 to 1994 NHANES found that the rate of AMD among Americans aged 40 and older was 9.4 percent, according to the study published in the January issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

This finding has important implications for public health, said Dr. Ronald Klein, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and colleagues.

The most recent data also showed that blacks aged 60 and older had a lower rate of AMD than whites in the same age group, and that the rate of late (more advanced) AMD among all the participants was 0.8 percent.

"These [new] estimates are consistent with a decreasing incidence of AMD reported in another population-based study and have important public health implications," the researchers wrote in a journal news release.

"The decreasing prevalence of AMD may reflect recent change in the frequency of smoking and other exposures such as diet, physical activity and blood pressure associated with AMD," they suggested. "It remains to be seen whether public health programs designed to increase awareness of the relationships of these exposures to AMD in patients at risk and their physicians and eye care providers will continue to result in further decline of the prevalence of AMD in the United States.

Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Licenses Novel Ophthalmologic Therapies from Columbia University with Applications in Dry-AMD and Stargardt's Disease

2011-01-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

Source: Columbia Technology Ventures

Alkeus Pharmaceuticals and Columbia University announced today that they have entered into a license agreement for a set of potential therapies for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (dry-AMD), Stargardt disease, and other degenerative diseases of the eye. Left untreated, these conditions often lead to impaired vision and even blindness.

Dr. Ilyas Washington, inventor of the technology and the Michael Jaharis Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center, has found in preclinical testing that the compounds can reduce accumulation of certain toxic pigments in the eye. These pigments, which accumulate with age, are thought to be partially responsible for the vision loss associated with dry-AMD and Stargardt disease. Other conditions that can lead to impaired vision and are also associated with the accumulation of vitamin A aggregates may also be addressed, including Best’s disease and certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa and of cone rod dystrophy.

“We have developed a modified vitamin A with the hope of halting vision loss or even restoring ocular function,” Dr. Washington says. “Humans have evolved to make use of natural micronutrients or vitamins that regulate a wide variety of physiological functions. By altering the chemical structure of these vitamins, we can potentially regulate or enhance the biological processes that they control.”

Dr. Leonide Saad, Chief Executive Officer of Alkeus, explained, “These vitamin A aggregates accumulate in dry-AMD and, to an even faster extent, in Stargardt disease due to a genetic defect that exacerbates this process. Ilyas has elegantly shown, in a mouse model of Stargardt, that slightly changing vitamin A significantly reduces the rate of formation of these aggregates, eventually preserving visual function.

“While these results are at the preclinical stage, the way vitamin A interacts with the human body is very well understood and gives us confidence of the low risk and the high potential to tackle these serious ocular diseases,” said Dr. Saad.

Other therapeutic compositions have been evaluated to reduce the accumulation of these vitamin A aggregates employing more invasive techniques, but the compounds developed by Dr. Washington rely on a novel and innocuous mechanism of action that strengthens the specific chemical bonds that have to be broken in order to form these aggregates.

“The problem with other approaches is that they affect the way vitamin A is processed in the eye, which often results in visual side effects such as slowed dark adaptation, hallucinations and night blindness,” commented Dr. Saad.

“We are very pleased to be working with Alkeus for the continued development of these therapies. In Alkeus, we believe we have found the best partner to efficiently and effectively drive commercialization of these therapies,” said Donna See, who oversees portfolio strategy and marketing for Columbia Technology Ventures, the technology transfer office of Columbia University. “As yet, there is no therapy to address impaired vision resulting from dry-AMD, a condition which affects millions of people around the world. Perhaps even more urgent is a therapy for the children who are affected by Stargardt. We look forward to hopefully one day being able to offer a way to help these patients and their families.”

About dry age-related macular degeneration: Dry-AMD is the number one cause of blindness in the western world with several million Americans living with poor vision and at a high risk of turning blind. With the aging population, the number of patients with AMD is expected to double by 2020. Although dry-AMD symptoms progress more slowly than the wet form of the disease, dry-AMD represents nearly 90% of all the AMD cases in the United States, and remains without any treatment, contrary to wet-AMD which can be treated with periodic ocular injections.

About Stargardt disease: Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration. It is a rare disease with a prevalence of one in 10,000 persons, or an estimated 30,000 people in the United States. Patients with Stargardt often start losing vision during their teenage years and will in most cases turn blind before becoming adults. As for dry-AMD, there is no treatment or cure.

About Columbia Technology Ventures
A leading academic and research university, Columbia University continually seeks to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to foster a campus community deeply engaged in understanding and addressing the complex global issues of our time. Columbia University's technology transfer office, Columbia Technology Ventures, manages Columbia's intellectual property portfolio and serves as the university's gateway for companies and entrepreneurs seeking novel technology solutions. Our core mission is to facilitate the transfer of inventions from academic research to outside organizations for the benefit of society on a local, national and global basis. For more information on Columbia Technology Ventures, please visit www.techventures.columbia.edu.

About Alkeus Pharmaceuticals
Alkeus is a clinical development biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new treatments for blindness and other serious ophthalmic conditions. Its lead compound, ALK-001, specifically addresses the excessive accumulation of toxic debris in the eyes of patients with dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease.

Obesity and Macular Degeneration

2011-01-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

Self-Help Series ® 2011 Alexander

Larry J Alexander, OD FAAO
larryalexander@tx.rr.com

Introduction

The self-help series is designed to give doctors and patients some guidelines to help minimize the risk of vision-threatening eye diseases. While directed specifically at age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), these guidelines are also applicable to other eye and systemic disorders. All of us should be developing Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC).

Does Your Weight Affect Macular Degeneration?

Unfortunately the world is plagued by both starvation and by excesses. In the developed countries we all probably eat more than necessary and the things we eat are often inappropriate to sustain proper health. Obesity is a chronic disease that potentiates the development of all kinds of symptoms including macular degeneration.

Diet and weight definitely influence the development of macular degeneration. One very interesting study related that excessive consumption of corn bread was significantly related to vision loss in ARMD. 1 This relationship was the result of high dietary glycemic indices often related to excessive consumption of carbohydrates. 2-3 Glycemic index is a measure of your spike in blood sugar after consuming any food. A follow-up article in this series will discuss how to minimize your glycemic index.

Evidence also exists that obesity was a risk factor for visually significant ARM in men, in particular for dry ARM. 4 Further studies point to the fact that in women, early age-related maculopathy was significantly associated with both body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, but more so waist-to-hip ratio. 5 One seemingly contrary report suggested that recent studies indicate that obesity is a probable risk factor for progression of ARMD, but there is no significant relation with the presence of ARMD. 6 Evidence exists that visceral obesity also contributes to the overall aging process by facilitating inflammation 7 that is likewise linked to macular degeneration. A very profound study found that middle-aged persons who had a 3% or greater reduction in Waist-Hip-Ratio over time were less likely to have ARMD, particularly among those who were initially obese. 8 More evidence has been presented that smoking, cardiovascular risk factors, use of calcium channel blockers, diabetes, and obesity are risk factors for late AMD in women. 9-11 Additional work has found that macular pigment (lutein and zeaxanthin) which helps protect the eye from developing macular degeneration is also lower in persons with excessive abdominal obesity and large waist circumference. 12-13 Further work emphasized that overall obesity and abdominal obesity increased the risk for progression to advanced ARMD, and more physical activity tended to decrease the risk. 14

Recommended Action to Help Yourself

In view of the overwhelming evidence we should all watch our weight and get as close as we can to the recommendations of our general physicians. Not only does weight affect our general health but excesses can likewise increase our risk for progression of macular degeneration. You can go to the national heart, lung and blood website http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ to calculate your body mass index to determine your personal weight situation.

References:

1. Holcomb CA. Consumption of carotenoid-rich foods and central vision loss: a matched case-controlled study in Kansas. J Nutr Elder 2004;24(1):1-18.
2. Chiu CJ, Milton RC, Klein R, Gensler G, Taylor A. Dietary carbohydrate and the progression of age-related macular degeneration: a prospective study from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86(4):1210-8.
3. Chiu CJ, Milton RC, Klein R, Gensler G, Taylor A. Association between dietary glycemic index and age-related macular degeneration in nondiabetic participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86(1):180-8.
4. Schaumberg DA, Christen WG, Hankinson SE, Glynn RJ. Body mass index and the incidence of visually significant age-related maculopathy in men.
Arch Ophthalmol. 2001 Sep;119(9):1259-65.

5. Klein BE, Klein R, Lee KE, Jensen SC. Measures of obesity and age-related eye diseases. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2001 Sep;8(4):251-62.

6. Moeini M, Masoudpour H, Ghanbari H. A study of the relation between body mass index and the incidence of age related macular degeneration. Br J Ophthalmol. 2005 Aug;89(8):964-6.

7. Ishida S. [Lifestyle-related diseases and anti-aging ophthalmology: suppression of retinal and choroidal pathologies by inhibiting renin-angiotensin system and inflammation] Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi. 2009 Mar;113(3):403-22; discussion 423.

8. Peeters A, Magliano DJ, Stevens J, Duncan BB, Klein R, Wong TY. Changes in abdominal obesity and age-related macular degeneration: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Nov;126(11):1554-60.

9. Klein R, Deng Y, Klein BE, Hyman L, Seddon J, Frank RN, Wallace RB, Hendrix SL, Kuppermann BD, Langer RD, Kuller L, Brunner R, Johnson KC, Thomas AM, Haan M. Cardiovascular disease, its risk factors and treatment, and age-related macular degeneration: Women's Health Initiative Sight Exam ancillary study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2007 Mar;143(3):473-83.

10. Schaumberg DA, Hankinson SE, Guo Q, Rimm E, Hunter DJ. A prospective study of 2 major age-related macular degeneration susceptibility alleles and interactions with modifiable risk factors. Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan;125(1):55-62.

11. Fraser-Bell S, Wu J, Klein R, Azen SP, Hooper C, Foong AW, Varma R. Cardiovascular risk factors and age-related macular degeneration: the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2008 Feb;145(2):308-16.

12. Mares JA, LaRowe TL, Snodderly DM, Moeller SM, Gruber MJ, Klein ML, Wooten BR, Johnson EJ, Chappell RJ; CAREDS Macular Pigment Study Group and Investigators. Predictors of optical density of lutein and zeaxanthin in retinas of older women in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an ancillary study of the Women's Health Initiative. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Nov;84(5):1107-22.

13. Johnson EJ. Obesity, lutein metabolism, and age-related macular degeneration: a web of connections. Nutr Rev. 2005 Jan;63(1):9-15.

14. Seddon JM, Cote J, Davis N, Rosner B. Progression of age-related macular degeneration: association with body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio. Arch Ophthalmol. 2003 Jun;121(6):785-92.

Small Steps to Healthy Eyes

2010-12-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

by:Reuters

People who lead an overall healthy life by exercising, eating right and not smoking, run a significantly lower risk of eye degeneration, a major cause of visual impairment in older adults, says a study.

Exercise and diet each reduced the risk, but both combined, along with a lack of smoking,caused the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to fall by more than 70%, says study author Julie Mares, at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. “Relatively small things could make a difference,” said Mares.

Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces. For the study, published in Archives of Ophthalmology, researchers reviewed information about diet, exercise and smoking from 1,313 women between the ages of 55 and 74.

The results showed that even 10 hours per week of light exercise, including housework, gardening and walking — or 8 hours of moderate exercise a week, lowered the risk of AMD since diet and exercise lower blood pressure, which can protect the eyes from degeneration

Macular Degeneration is not the end of sight

2010-12-20T06:04:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Ria Patel

Joanne Preece, 84, is suffering from macular degeneration. She exclaimed how amazing it was how we all take our vision for granted, and that how it could all be gone in a moment.

The disability not only took away her sight, it also stole her freedom. She said how she stopped driving because she could see the oncoming traffic which would scare me to death.

Dr. Kathryn A. Colby explained how during the end stage of macular degeneration, the patient looking at someone could see the shoulders and the hair, but not the face.

Due to her disability, Preece's entire view of the world is changing. Now she has a telescope the size of a pea implanted in her eye. A couple of high-powered lenses magnify all that she sees.

The implant is placed right at the junction between the clear part and the white part of the eye. And the implantation is to be made just into a single eye. A tiny incision is to be made in the cornea by the doctors, who then take out the cataract or damaged lens and put the telescopic lens in their place instead.

During the surgery, the patients are given sedation, but they are awake.

Stem Cells Get FDA Nod For Stargardt's Disease

2010-12-11T07:15:00.000-08:00

by Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., received FDA approval for starting Phase I/II clinical trial to use stem cells for the treatment of Stargardt’s disease. Stargardt’s disease is an inherited type of macular degeneration affecting individuals at age 10-20. There is no cure.

Similar to other macular diseases, the photoreceptors, and the layer of cells just beneath, call the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), become destroyed due to a genetic defect. Due to the macular involvement, central vision is lost.

Stargardt’s disease is the a common form of “macular degeneration” that afflicts the young. It is estimated to affect about 30,000 people worldwide. It shares in common with ARMD (age related macular degeneration) the loss of photoreceptors secondary to RPE damage and degeneration.

Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) claims the ability to generate healthy RPE cells from human embryonic stem cells. The idea is to replace the genetically diseased RPE cells with healthy replacements. In theory, the healthy RPE cells should prevent loss of the photoreceptors, thereby preserving vision.

The phase I/II study will involve 12 patients enrolled into several centers across the United States. The initial experiments will determine if the RPE cells are indeed safe and if they can be tolerated by the human recipients (i.e., does the body reject the new RPE cells?).

What Does This Mean? Stargardt’s disease has no cure, and therefore, are great subjects to consider for this possible treatment. In a way, there is nothing to lose. Stargardt’s patients also have or had vision, that is, they have experience with vision. We know that these patients have fully developed visual pathways.

While this group is very small in comparison to patients with macular degeneration, the significance this holds for a potential, effective treatment can only be left to our imagination. Even a small success in this trial is exciting.

The news of this trial is exciting, but remember further testing (clinical trials III and IV) need to be completed. Also, the techniques for introducing the cells safely underneath the retina need to be accomplished, too.

Maintaining a 20/20 Visual Acuity

2010-12-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

by Ponti Carlo Aranda

On normal conditions, when nurses use the Snellen’s chart to test one’s vision, 20/20 signifies the perfect eyesight. This type of examination is usually performed not only in hospitals but also in educational institutions as students enroll themselves to study in that school.

As long we do not encounter any factors that can perturb our eyes, then our visual acuity will remain that way.

However, as we begin to age, our senses including our vision tend to deteriorate. The clear eye lenses become cloudy and lose its flexibility. The retina located at the back of the eyes also loses its sensitivity to light and leads to glaucoma which is a common condition among the elderly.

How do we maintain healthy eyesight? Here are some fundamental don’ts and do’s concerning about eye care:

DON’TS

* Never stare on any bright objects most especially the sun since they can surely damage your eyesight. With regards to TV screens and computer monitors, try to lower their brightness.
* Do not engage on paper and writing works when there isn’t a sufficient light. Writing and reading can cause so much stress to your eyes. To manage this problem, you can use a soft white light but make sure that it does not produce a glare that gives a reflection directly to your eyes.
* Never stare on TV screens or computer monitors for a long time. Studies have suggested that after 20 minutes of staring at the screen, look away about 20 feet ahead of you for 20 seconds. This is what they call the 20-20-20 rule. This rule can assist you in reducing strains to your eyes. You may also want to blink every 10 seconds to provide lubrication to your eyes. Sometimes, it is a fact that when we are too preoccupied with our work, we tend to forget blinking which makes the strain continuous.
* Of course, smoking should be ceased and avoid second-hand smoke as well. Studies have confirmed that smoking has a link to macular degeneration, cataract as well as damage to the optic nerve. All of these serious conditions can lead to blindness.
* Try to limit your eyes from being exposed to dusty places.

DO’S

* Eat foods rich in vitamin A and other sources that are good for maintaining good eyesight. Examples of these foods are dark leafy greens (broccoli, spinach). Watermelons contain lutein which is very healthy for the eyes. Lastly, eat fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
* Engage in regular exercises and deep breathing sessions. A regular exercise can decrease eye strains by approximately twenty percent. Moreover, deep breathing exercises also have the same effect. These two methods are very helpful to those individuals with glaucoma since this disorder may cause headache and an increase in intraocular pressure.
* Wear sunglasses when on outdoor locations. It is true that wearing sunglasses can make you look dashing but the primary function of these products is to shield your eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
* Make proper hand washing your daily habit. Though it is discouraged to rub our eyes using our hands, there are moments that we tend to forget this advice. That is why it is highly encouraged to maintain the habit of proper hand washing just in case we accidentally rub our eyes. However, let us always practice ourselves to minimize this bad habit.
* Rest your eyes most especially if you do not need to use them. An example of this advice is when talking over the phone. Since you do not need to open your eyes while talking, just close them and within that moment, your eyes are being rested.
* Regularly check your blood sugar. Diabetics are known to experience a high risk of eye disease. A study confirmed that proper management of blood sugar greatly declines the risk of diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. If you are a diabetic, a yearly consultation with your eye specialist is highly suggested.
* If possible, get a yearly eye check-up. Usually, conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration do not give warning signs; hence, visiting an eye specialist is the only way to make sure that you are not experiencing the first stage of these eye disorders.

Canon U.S.A.'s Newest Retinal Camera, the Cr-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic, Receives FDA Clearence

2010-11-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

By Canon, Inc.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., November 16, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the Canon CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)1.

Integrating the latest in Canon's retinal imaging technology and enhancements in a compact frame, the Canon CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera is the Company's newest and lightest retinal camera to date, weighing only 33 pounds. The CR-2 retinal camera can be easily installed or for added convenience, can be easily transported when needed. The illuminated control panel allows medical staff to easily navigate operations in darkened rooms. Contributing to a lower total-cost-of-ownership, the white LED lamp used in the CR-2 retinal camera uses less power than a xenon tube and lasts approximately twice as long, which can help to reduce energy costs in medical facilities.

"Obtaining FDA clearance of the CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera helps reaffirm our commitment to eye care professionals by instituting superb imaging technology and in turn, contributing to the quality care of their patients." said Tsuneo Imai, senior director and general manager, Medical Systems Division, Canon U.S.A.

The CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera joins Canon's complete line of total digital imaging solutions and workflow management solutions for ophthalmic professionals. The CR-2 retinal camera is available for purchase through authorized Canon dealers.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number six in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2010 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives.

Ophthalmologists Experience Visual Maladies To Improve Care for Patients

2010-11-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

by Dave McKinley & Dooley O'Rourke

BUFFALO, NY - It is said one can learn much by walking a mile in another person's shoes.

Such was the case Thursday night at the Olmsted Center for Sight on Main Street, where a unique exercise was held to help physicians provide better care for their patients.

"Well we came up with this crazy idea actually," said the center's Director of Marketing Linda Wiecek, in describing how two dozen area Ophthalmologists were invited to sit down for dinner, in a fashion which would allow them to share their patients' view of the world --or lack thereof.

Upon their arrival each doctor was asked to choose a festive mardi gras style mask to wear at the event.

However, the eye holes of each mask were outfitted with occluders, to simulate one of the four most common causes of visual impairments.

Upon donning a mask to simulate macular degeneration, Dr. Paul Lee suddenly found that the middle of his field of vision had been impaired.

"Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the country, and often times its irreversible so the earlier you diagnose it the better we can treat you," Dr. Lee told WGRZ-TV.

In contrast, Dr. Melissa Neal selected a mask outfitted to simulate the effects of glaucoma, and set about discovering what it was like for a person with impaired peripheral vision.

"In my former practice, I treated a lot of patients with glaucoma and I kind of have a passion for it," she explained

After socializing, and struggling a bit with their new found disabilities, the doctors sat down for dinner...then the lights were turned out.

They proceeded to dine as many of their patients do -- in the dark.

Some gingerly set about consuming their meals, at times struggling to find their drinking glasses or silverware and put fork-to plate-to mouth.

The whole idea of temporarily disabling their sight was to make them better doctors by seeing through the eyes of their patients.

"It's tougher than I thought," said Dr. Lee. "I kept on bumping into my colleagues ...it's a whole lot different than I really thought it was going to be."

"I'll never truly understand (living with glaucoma) because when things got more difficult I could just take my mask off," Said Dr. Neal. "But it does give me a little bit more sympathy and understanding for my patients and their frustrations," she said.

Calvert Research Awarded $245,000 to support futher Development of its Age-Related Macular Degeneration Drug Candidate

2010-11-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

By Calvert Research

Calvert Research, LLC announced today that one of the Company’s therapeutic development programs (T1-1081) qualified to receive federal grant funding totaling approximately $245,000 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (“The ACT”), which will be used to help advance T1-1081 toward an IND application filing.

The Act created a $1.0 billion federal program to provide grants or tax credits to help support certain “Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Projects” that have been designated by the Department of Health and Human Services using the following criteria: (a) the potential to create a novel therapy to treat unmet medical needs; (b) the potential to reduce long-term health care costs in the U.S., and (c) be among those projects with the greatest potential to create and sustain jobs and increase U.S. competitiveness.

T1-1081 is currently undergoing preclinical evaluation as a potentially more effective treatment for the wet form of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which is a major cause of significant vision loss in people over age 50 affecting millions worldwide. T1-1081 was specifically designed to affect multiple factors that lead to vision loss by targeting and destroying unwanted blood vessels in the back of the eye that cause this disease, by blocking formation of new blood vessels, and by reducing inflammation that damages retinal cells. T1-1081 also has the potential to treat other serious ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, and the dry form of AMD

“We are very pleased to have been awarded the maximum amount from this competitive grant program, which will be used to help advance T1-1081 toward human clinical studies,” said Dr. Michael A. Recny, President of Calvert Research. “We licensed rights to develop and commercialize T1-1081 from Tulane University in 2009, and it represents a key component of our strategy to assemble a diverse portfolio of novel preclinical stage therapeutic compounds that we can advance quickly and efficiently toward human studies by leveraging our extensive in-house preclinical development expertise together with our preferred network of contract service partners”.

About Calvert Research
Commercial success in building the next generation of therapeutic drugs begins with identifying and acquiring the rights to the best potential drug candidates from top academic institutions and early stage biotechnology companies. Calvert Research has long-established relationships with the leaders in over 160 academic technology transfer departments across North America and thousands of researchers at these institutions to source the best opportunities for investment.

Calvert Research designs a customized, integrated approach for each new drug candidate it acquired by utilizing senior scientists who have world-class experience in the design and submission of IND enabling preclinical development studies to regulatory agencies worldwide. Since 2004, Calvert Research has invested in four preclinical stage therapeutic development programs, and to date has achieved three successful exits from selling or sublicensing rights to commercial partners, demonstrating a proven track record of success.

About Calvert Holdings, Inc.
Formed in 1996, Calvert Holdings, Inc. (http://www.calvertholdings.com) is a privately-held company consisting of a diverse portfolio of companies including Calvert Labs, Calvert Research, Calvert Corporate Funding, and Calvert Creative.

Calvert Holdings is a company of people who are passionately engaged in contributing to the future well being of the planet we live on. By analyzing how emerging discoveries and current trends will affect future global needs, we position resources and apply our skills to meet them.

About Calvert Labs
As a global service provider, Calvert Labs' core offerings include toxicology (acute through chronic & carcinogenicity plus reproductive and developmental), pharmacokinetics & ADME, pharmacology, safety pharmacology, immunotoxicology and immunology.

About Calvert Corporate Funding
Calvert Corporate Funding has emerged from its parent, Calvert Holdings, Inc., to address the needs of small and mid-sized companies seeking an alternative source of capital from traditional banking and lending institutions. Recent economic challenges, financial reform, and bank credit restrictions have created a need for viable options to be made available to business owners and operators.

In addition to its extensive network of non-bank lenders, Calvert Corporate Funding is a direct representative of the Global Finance Group, whose network includes a consortium of seventeen non-bank lenders. This array of investors specializes in lending to credit-worthy business owners/operators using creative financial packages. Due to our extensive banking and asset-based lending experience, we are able to identify the optimum lender/company match.

American Eye-Q survey shows men and women don't see eye- to-eye on vision health

2010-10-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

October 28, 2010

According to the AOA annual American Eye-Q® survey, men and women have different views and habits when it comes to eye and vision health. From seasonal allergies to ultraviolet protection to the best foods for eye health, the survey finds men and women are on different sides of the fence.

“While there is disagreement, the good news is the majority of both men and women understand the importance of maintaining eye and visual health through regular comprehensive eye exams,” said Dori Carlson, O.D., president-elect of the AOA. “But as a wife, it’s not surprising to me that men and women can have differing points of view.”

“Regardless of a patient’s gender, an assessment from an optometrist is a significant part of preventive health care,” said Mark Helgeson, O.D., husband of Dr. Carlson. “Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and multiple sclerosis may be caught during a comprehensive eye exam.”

Seasonal eye allergies

According to the American Eye-Q® survey, more women (73 percent) than men (67 percent) report suffering from seasonal eye allergies that cause itchy and watery eyes. Surprisingly though, more men (16 percent) than women (9 percent) have missed work because of seasonal eye allergies. Men listed the top two things that allergies interfere with on a daily basis as participating in recreational outdoor activities (37 percent) and sleep (36 percent). Women cited participating in recreational outdoor activities and the ability to think or concentrate (both at 27 percent).

UV protection for the eyes

When it comes to protecting against the sun’s damaging rays, more women (35 percent) than men (28 percent) are concerned with checking for UV protection when purchasing sunglasses. The survey also showed more men (36 percent) than women (27 percent) mistakenly believe name-brand sunglasses are better for your eyes and offer more protection than generic or less expensive sunglasses.

“Overexposure of the eyes to UV rays is serious and can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration or, in some cases, skin cancer around the eyelids,” said Dr. Helgeson. “The ladies win in this case; you should always look for sunglasses that offer good protection, blocking 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screening out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.”

Nutrition and eye health

According to the American Eye-Q® survey, the majority of men and women believe carrots are the best food for your eyes. Slightly more men (14 percent) than women (11 percent), however, correctly identified spinach as a better food for promoting eye health.

“In fact, spinach and other dark leafy greens are the healthiest foods for the eyes because they naturally contain large amounts of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that can help protect against diseases like age-related macular degeneration,” said Dr. Carlson.

Computer Vision Syndrome

The AOA defines computer vision syndrome (CVS) as a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. Regular eye care and changes in behavior can help alleviate CVS.

For every 20 minutes of computer viewing, the AOA recommends looking into the distance for 20 seconds to give your eyes a chance to refocus.

The survey shows more men (59 percent) than women (53 percent) experience vision issues from using tech devices like computers. Women (17 percent) came out ahead of men (13 percent), though, when it comes to taking visual breaks every 20 minutes. The majority of both men and women said they take breaks every 30 to 60 minutes.

Aging eyes

The survey results indicated that 40 is the most common age at which Americans begin noticing changes in their vision. However, the way in which men and women cope with age-related eye problems differ.

Men use brighter lights when performing tasks (36 percent), while women limit their night driving (35 percent). Men and women agree that their biggest concern related to developing serious vision problems is being unable to live independently. For women, the next biggest concern is being unable to read, while for men it was not being able to see their loved ones.

Additional interesting findings

Bad habits are hard to break for both sexes. When asked what is the longest they’d worn daily disposable contact lenses before replacing them, the top response among men was one week (27 percent), while women indicated two months or longer (27 percent).

With the popularity of 3-D televisions on the rise, it’s no surprise more men (35 percent) than women (16 percent) are considering purchasing one in the future.

Comprehensive eye exams

Even though men and women vary in their eye and vision behaviors, the majority of both sexes indicated they have seen an eye doctor within the last two years. Many eye and vision problems don’t have obvious signs or symptoms, so problems can often be undetected.

Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health, and when possible, preventing vision loss.

Comprehensive eye exams are designed to:

* Evaluate the functional status of the eyes, taking into account special vision demands and needs
* Assess vision health and related systemic health conditions
* Determine a diagnosis (or diagnoses)
* Formulate a treatment and management plan
* Counsel and educate patients about their visual, ocular and related systemic health care status, including recommendations for treatment, management and future care

Consumers are encouraged to find an optometrist in their area and get more information on eye and vision health by visiting www.aoa.org.

Synexus sets its sights on ophthalmology

2010-10-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

SynexusPosted on:25 Oct 10

Synexus is set to take part in a number of global ophthalmology trials following recent investment in clinical research expertise and technology in this area.

Chief Executive, Dr Christophe Berthoux says that ophthalmology offers considerable growth potential for Synexus: “There is significant demand for new ocular drugs, not only for currently untreatable conditions, but also for improved treatments for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, and this is set to increase the size of the market, making it attractive to more pharma companies. There have been relatively few new drugs brought to market in this area, for example, between 1995 and 2003, there were no new ocular drugs approved by the FDA, and until recently this area of drug development was dominated by only a few companies. Our recent involvement in this field indicates that this is changing and that more companies will be extending their operations into ophthalmology.”

Clinical trials in ophthalmology have historically suffered from a shortage of ophthalmologists with expertise in drug development, and also from the need for investment in expensive screening and diagnostic equipment. Synexus has a proven track record of investing in state-of-the-art technology in order to deliver clinical trials results and also experience of teaming up with leading specialists who work exclusively on their trials. This approach is already proving popular in the ophthalmology field according to Chief Operating Officer, Jane Restorick: “Our expansion earlier this year, with a significantly increased presence in the CEE, puts Synexus in a very strong position to deliver the right patients for ophthalmology trials. Changes in global population demographics, in particular the increasingly ageing population, necessitate the speeding up of ocular drug development, and the need for a greater number of more effective treatments for eye disorders. The way Synexus operates means that we can respond quickly with investment in equipment and in clinical expertise.”

There are an estimated 45 million blind people and 135 million visually impaired people worldwide. Age-related macular degeneration (40%), glaucoma (13%) and diabetic retinopathy (8%) are the three most common causes of visual impairment and blindness. Clinical trials in the ophthalmology area are vital to speed up progress in dealing with serious eye diseases including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and eye herpes.

Eyetech Announces Program to Develop Extended-Release Formulation of Macugen

2010-10-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

by mincho2008

Eyetech Inc. announced today a program to develop an extended-release formulation of Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium injection) using microparticles technology. Macugen, a selective inhibitor of VEGF-165, is approved for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (neovascular AMD). The goal of the Macugen extended-release formulation is to decrease the frequency of dosing from every six weeks to every four to six months. Eyetech is collaborating with SurModics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading drug delivery company, to develop the extended-release version of Macugen under a licensing and development agreement that was signed in 2005. The development program was announced today at the second annual Ophthalmology Innovation Summit in Chicago.

"An extended-release formulation of Macugen could offer several potential advantages to physicians, patients with neovascular AMD and their families, including a more convenient dosing schedule, improved compliance, and a lower risk of complications related to the injection," said Scott W. Cousins, M.D., project leader for the Macugen Microparticles Program and vice-chair of research in the Department of Ophthalmology at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC. "I look forward to advancing the Microparticles development program."

Neovascular AMD is a chronic condition that requires long-tem treatment. Recent studies evaluating the injection frequency and visual outcomes using anti-VEGF therapies have shown that giving the treatments on an 'as needed' basis leads to under-treatment and significantly less vision gains.(i) In addition, recently published and presented clinical studies have investigated anti-VEGF therapy as a potential treatment for patients with other retina diseases, such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). New drug delivery technologies may be of interest to physicians who serve these patient populations.

Mike Atieh, executive chairman of Eyetech Inc., said: "The announcement of the Microparticles program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the needs of the retina community and collaborating to provide safe and effective treatment options for patients suffering from retina disease."

Eyetech Inc. has the worldwide rights to the Macugen Microparticles program.

About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a chronic, progressive disease of the central portion of the retina called the macula, resulting in the loss of central vision. The most common symptoms are a central blurred or blank spot, distortion of objects or simply blurred vision. Peripheral vision usually remains intact. AMD is classified into two forms: atrophic, referred to as dry AMD, and neovascular or wet AMD.

In neovascular AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow and leak into the macula, resulting in loss of vision. Neovascular AMD is the more severe form of the disease and progresses more rapidly than the dry type. Although it accounts for only about 10-15 percent of all macular degeneration cases, neovascular AMD is responsible for 90 percent of blindness caused by the disease.

About Macugen
Macugen, a selective inhibitor of VEGF-165, is indicated in the United States for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (neovascular AMD) and is administered in a 0.3-mg dose once every six weeks by intravitreal injection. Macugen is a pegylated anti-VEGF aptamer, which binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that plays a critical role in angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and increased permeability (leakage from blood vessels), two pathological processes that contribute to the vision loss associated with neovascular AMD.

Eyetech Inc. markets and sells Macugen in the United States and Pfizer Inc. markets and sells Macugen outside of the United States. For full prescribing information about Macugen, please visit http://www.macugen.com/.

Important Safety Information
Macugen is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections or with known hypersensitivity to pegaptanib sodium or any other excipient of this product.

Safety or efficacy of Macugen beyond two years has not been demonstrated.

Intravitreal injections including those with Macugen have been associated with endophthalmitis. Proper aseptic injection technique -- which includes use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent) -- should always be utilized when administering Macugen. In addition, patients should be monitored during the week following the injection to permit early treatment, should an infection occur.

Increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been seen within 30 minutes of injection with Macugen. Therefore, IOP as well as the perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored and managed appropriately.

Rare cases of anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions, including angioedema, have been reported in postmarketing experience following the intravitreal administration procedure.

Serious adverse events related to the injection procedure occurring in less than 1% of intravitreal injections included endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and iatrogenic traumatic cataract.

Most frequently reported adverse events in patients treated for up to two years were anterior chamber inflammation, blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival hemorrhage, corneal edema, eye discharge, eye irritation, eye pain, hypertension, increased IOP, ocular discomfort, punctate keratitis, reduced visual acuity, visual disturbance, vitreous floaters, and vitreous opacities. These events occurred in approximately 10% to 40% of patients.

About Eyetech Inc.
Eyetech Inc. is a unique, independent 100% employee-owned and operated biotechnology company dedicated exclusively to the treatment of sight-threatening diseases of the retina.

Eye Doctors of Washington, DC Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-10T05:58:00.000-07:00

By Sarah Bryce

Widely known as specialists in LASIK eye surgery in Washington DC, the Eye Doctors of Washington (EDOW) will be switching gears to support another worthy cause on Friday, October 8th, 2010 at 8:00 am. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in collaboration with the Kane Show and HOT 99.5, the doctors at EDOW will be hosting an event to collect donations and give away prizes to raise awareness for breast cancer. The doctors say they are looking forward to the effect this campaign will have on the community as a whole, as they join together to support the fight against a disease that is estimated to affect more than 200,000 women in 2010.

This October marks the 26th annual celebration of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a partnership of national public service organizations and medical professionals striving to promote awareness, education, and empowerment of everyone affected by breast cancer. As specialists focusing on providing their patients with LASIK in Washington DC and other effective vision care treatments, the doctors at EDOW say that supporting their community has always been a priority within their practice, which is why they are celebrating National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The doctors say their ultimate goal is to improve the lives of their patients, regardless of the cause of their condition, and supporting breast cancer awareness does just that.

Whether performing vision correction procedures or cosmetic enhancements such as Juvederm™ in Washington, DC, the doctors at EDOW say they appreciate the chance to embrace such a worthy cause this October, and believe events like this are extremely important because they make a real difference in the well-being of patients within their community and across the nation.

About EDOW

The Eye Doctors of Washington have been providing high quality eye care for patients in Washington, DC for over 40 years, and was originally founded by a group of professors from the Center for Sight at Georgetown University. They specialize in all types of eye procedures, from routine eye exams, to vision correction procedures and treatment for eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, as well as cosmetic procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic in Washington DC. All of the ophthalmologists at EDOW are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, as well as being fellowship trained in a sub-specialty of eye care. All of the members of EDOW have received scientific and medical awards, serve on a number of advisory boards, and are involved in the advancement of eye care through academic research.

Radio for the Blind on S.C. chopping block

2010-10-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

By Carolyn Click
Published: October 03. 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Since she lost her sight four years ago, Margaret Gutman has come to rely on a state-run radio reading program for the blind to provide her with news from the three major South Carolina papers, opinion pieces from local and national commentators, health and gardening news, and the occasional offbeat magazine article.

So when she learned last month that the South Carolina Educational Radio for the Blind, in existence since the 1970s, was set to become another casualty of the state's economic downturn, she was devastated.

“I just think it is cutting out so much of the outside world,” said Gutman, 76, who suffers from wet macular degeneration, a chronic eye disease that causes swift vision loss in the center of a person's field of vision.

Gutman listens “24/7” to the service, she said, often turning on her special receiver late at night when she cannot sleep to hear volunteers read from The State newspaper, The (Charleston) Post and Courier and The Greenville News. Volunteers read local stories, obituaries, op-ed pieces and even the grocery specials — information the sighted skim quickly and take for granted.

Cutting off ‘my outside world'

When you are blind, “You lose your driving privileges ... you lose the ability even to shop, to look at prices on things and to recognize things in grocery stores,” Gutman said Thursday.

“I just feel they are cutting off a big chunk of my life, my outside world to some degree.”

Her husband, retired Air Force Maj. Walter Gutman, already has written to the governor to voice his concern at the loss of the programming — the only service for the blind that focuses on state current events.

James Kirby, commissioner for the S.C. Commission for the Blind, said he understands the pain and frustration of the legally blind South Carolinians who rely on the service, delivered through special receivers tuned to a dedicated sub channel of ETV.

About 5,000 blind residents around the state have the lent receivers in their homes.

But as the agency's budget over the last two years was reduced from $3.9 million to $2.2 million, Kirby said he determined the $120,000 program, run by three staffers with 50 volunteer readers, had to go.

Kirby said he tried to protect the state-funded radio program, along with children's and blind prevention services, even as he worked to make sure there was enough state funding for rehabilitation programs that receive a significant 80-20 federal dollar match.

‘Double whammy'

“When we cut state dollars in those programs, we have a double whammy,” said Kirby, who plans to elicit support in the state Legislature to restore the service.

About four years ago, he noted, Gov. Mark Sanford tried to eliminate the program, an effort that was turned back.

“When we start the budget process in January we are going to seek the restoration of funds,” Kirby said.

That's good news, too, to the 50 volunteers who have contributed a total of 2,700 hours of reading time over the years and believe the program, with its emphasis on volunteers, is about as efficient as any in state government. The local radio programming is supplemented by additional programming.

“In the grand scheme of the state budget this is such a minor amount of money,” said Don Caughman, who has been reading newspaper and magazine articles to his blind listeners for 31 years. “I and other volunteers over the years have given an awful lot of time to give a service that didn't cost the state anything. It's a little bit annoying to me that it gets lumped in with everything else.”

Caughman began volunteering one morning a week before work, then two.

Since his retirement from BellSouth in 2000, he spends three early mornings inside one of the four sound booths at the studio.

“I try to think about people listening as I talk,” Caughman said. “I try to do it with a certain amount of enthusiasm and proper enunciation.”

Don Siebert, a retired University of South Carolina English professor who created a half-hour show “All About Words” for the blind audience, agrees.

“It seems like the defenseless are the first cut,” said Siebert, who like other volunteers had to audition to become a reader. “This isn't the biggest tragedy in the world, obviously, but it is a shame given how little it costs. It's a symptom of this whole climate of cutting, cutting, cutting.”
ARTICLE ACCESS: This article is among those available to all readers. Many more

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Week Unites Organizations around the World

2010-09-18T01:49:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, Sept. 17 Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which affects more than 10 million older Americans, continues to be the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. The global cost of the disease according to a recent report is estimated at $343 billion, underscoring the need for swift actions to raise awareness of prevention and treatment options.

During this year's AMD Week, which runs from September 18-26,some of the leading eye-care organizations from 25 countries, has issued a call to action to doctors, patients and caregivers through the public awareness campaign "Don't Surrender to AMD."

This is a promising time for patients as preventative measures and effective, timely treatments have the ability to alter the disease tremendously,but macular disease is only as preventable and manageable as people are knowledgeable. Knowing the facts can significantly improve a person's chances of maintaining healthy vision and a better quality of life."

The National Institutes of Health projects the number of AMD diagnoses to double to 20 million by 2020. Losing vision has devastating consequences to an individual's daily life and those affected by the disease often suffer from severe depression and loss of independence.

However, those at-risk and AMD patients can take steps to reduce needless sight loss. AMD can be prevented or slowed down if a person takes action to keep his or her vision healthy. Along with regular eye exams, the first step is a healthy lifestyle (Don't smoke, take exercise, eat healthily and use sunglasses in bright sunlight). Specially formulated vitamins for those affected by the disease may help, and effective clinically-approved treatments are available for the most severe form of AMD.

In addition, low vision rehabilitation and support services can significantly help patients live with the disease and make the most of their remaining vision.

AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage,we have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year.

Through its "Don't Surrender to AMD" campaign,has increased public education efforts - which will span across print, radio, and digital media, including an interactive e-card - to inform the public of preventative measures and treatment options that are available in the fight against AMD.

Don't Surrender To Macular Degeneration

2010-09-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

By ARA
Aging gracefully can require you to accept certain changes in your body, from gray or thinning hair to skin that's less firm than it was in your youth. But loss of vision shouldn't be on your short list of changes that are an inevitable part of growing older.

If you're older than 50, you should know about your eye health and what you can do to prevent or slow vision loss. Age-related macular degeneration, commonly known as AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. AMD affects about 10 million people in the U.S., and that number is projected to double by 2020, according to the National Institutes of Health.

"AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage," says Dr. Alan Cruess, Chairman of AMD Alliance International's Scientific Advisory Panel. "We have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year."

AMD is a degenerative disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina (think of it as your eye's internal projection screen) responsible for clear central vision. There are two types of AMD - "dry" and "wet." The dry form affects 85 to 90 percent of people with AMD and causes varying degrees of vision loss, characterized by a collection of deposits in the macula called drusen. Far less common, but much more serious, wet AMD causes severe vision loss, as abnormal blood vessels grow and leak blood and fluid into the eye.

If you take certain measures to keep your eyes healthy, you can prevent AMD or slow its progress. AMD Alliance International suggests taking the following three steps to help prevent and manage AMD.

1. Get regular eye exams

Everyone older than 50 should get regular eye exams. Most people believe they receive eye exams as often as they should. However, according to a recent AMD Alliance International study, only 63 percent of those at risk and 56 percent of those at high risk for AMD have their eyes checked annually. Routine exams can help identify AMD and other eye problems in their early stages, when many diseases are more easily treatable.

2. Understand the risk factors for AMD

By knowing the risk factors, you can take steps to reduce the chance of getting AMD. Age is the greatest risk factor for AMD - if you are 50 or older, you're at risk of developing the disease. Having a family member with AMD can also increase your risk.

While you cannot control your age or genes, there are other risk factors, including smoking, poor diet, obesity, and having high blood pressure, that are controllable.

Quitting smoking reduces your risk for AMD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that people who smoke are between two and five and a half times more likely to develop AMD than people who do not smoke.

Studies also suggest that AMD is linked to diets high in saturated fat. Reducing saturated fat consumption and eating more fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables - all foods that are rich in vitamins C and E, selenium and carotenoids - may delay the onset or reduce the severity of AMD. Fish rich in omega-3 fats, like salmon, tuna or mackerel, may also slow the progress of AMD when eaten two to three times a week, according to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

3. Ask questions and know your treatment options

If you have been diagnosed with AMD, your ability to ask the right questions and receive accurate information is crucial. Review "Questions to Ask Your Eye Care Professional" at www.amdalliance.org to help guide the conversation at your next eye exam. Be sure you know your exact diagnosis and all available treatment options.

Specially formulated vitamins can reduce the risk of advanced AMD for some patients. Effective, clinically approved treatments are also available for the most severe form of AMD, which may reverse some vision loss. Make sure you ask your doctor about your options and understand what treatment you are receiving.

People living with macular disease should be able to fully participate in choosing their treatment and healthcare options. Know your rights and download the Patient Charter.

Also, if you're diagnosed with AMD, a low vision rehabilitation specialist can help you use your remaining sight to its full potential through special techniques and low vision aids.

Age-related macular degeneration and the loss of vision can be prevented and slowed down. By learning about the disease and making healthy lifestyle choices, many Americans will be able to enjoy healthy vision well into their golden years.

Summer Eye-Care Tips: How to Protect Your Peepers !

2010-09-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

by Lisa Martin on September 3, 2010

With September upon us, it may be hard to remember that we still need to use sun protection. With temperatures still summer-like, you still need to protect yourself, your skin, and even your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.

Often times, eye protection tends gets overlooked while you are lathering on the sunscreen and making sure you are wearing light cool bamboo clothes. Here are a few tips to protect one of the most important organs of your body:

1. Wear your shades! I know you have heard it before, but ultraviolet rays (UV) are really bad for your eyes. These rays can burn your corneas (the surface of your eyes). UV rays can also lead to the development of cataracts (which cause hazy vision) and age related macular degeneration (which is the leading cause of blindness in older Americans). Preventing such long-term damage is easy – buy sunglasses with labels that clearly state that they protect you from 99% – 100% of UVA and UVB light. You may even consider using wraparound sunglasses to stop the UV rays from entering from the sides of the frame! A dark lens does not necessarily offer UV protection; it must also say it does on the label. My doctor has a rack of sunglasses that do just that. I know when buying from them that I am receiving the best sunglasses for my eyes. If you already wear glasses, you can also purchase prescription sunglasses that do the same thing!
2. Wear a hat! A wide-brimmed hat or cap can further protect you from the sun’s harmful rays especially those that hit the eyes from above your sunglasses. Or course, we would recommend one made from bamboo!
3. Stick with your plan! Even if your daily summer routine varies, it is very important to stick with your regular eye care treatment regimen. Your eye doctor will be able to track any changes that are occurring with your eyes (sometimes before you even notice).
4. Wear your swim goggles! If you swim for sport or even for recreation, make sure that you wear goggles to protect your eyes from waterborne bacteria and swimming pool chemicals.
5. Get adequate rest! Summertime never seems long enough. However, instead of packing a million activities into your summer vacation, try getting a little extra sleep. Rest can refresh your eyes and help them work more efficiently.
6. Don’t smoke! Smoking is a known risk factor for macular degeneration. It has also been linked to the development of cataracts and dry eye syndrome. Just add this to the many reasons why you should quit!
7. Lastly, don’t forget the kids! Kids of all ages – from babies to teens – need to wear UV-protective sunglasses and a hat or visor. As with adults, make sure your child’s sunglasses block out 99% – 100% of UV rays.

CNIB offers sight issue support

2010-08-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

By Sharen Marteny - Kelowna Capital News
Published: August 27, 2010

The CNIB (formerly known as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind) is one of the most under-used resources available to seniors.

In addition to making accessible various products for partially sighted seniors, it provides programs that are free of charge to assist seniors to keep their independence.

Vision impairment often contributes to injuries and may lead to mortality in older people.

Timely intervention can delay the effects of age-related blinding conditions.

In Canada there are 800,000 people who self-identify as being blind or partially sighted.

Yet only 100,000 clients are registered with CNIB. Of those, 17,500 live in British Columbia.

More than 50 per cent of the CNIB clients are 65 years old and over.

It is estimated that in the next 20 years there will be 1.6 million blind or partially sighted people in Canada with the largest percentage being over the age of 80 years, yet Canada is the only G8 country that does not have a vision health plan in place.

Seniors are most prone to four eye diseases—age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. AMD and glaucoma can begin without any symptoms and most seniors do not know they have it.

Cataracts can be removed and vision restored.

To help prevent eye diseases seniors should wear sunglasses with 98 per cent UV protection during both the summer and winter. Eye exams should be done on a yearly basis.

Being blind or partially sighted can lead to depression and isolation.

Seniors who are blind or partially sighted believe that they can no longer participate in life.

The CNIB can show them that this is not true and that enjoyment can be added to their lives.

It offers four key services—orientation and mobility, independent living skills and counselling and vision assessment. All of these services are free of charge.

An instructor will work with each senior individually to ensure the techniques used are what is required.

The orientation and mobility program teaches seniors how to move about the community on their own.

One of the techniques taught to accomplish this is caning.

Through the independent living skills, seniors will be taught how to accomplish the tasks required for daily living which includes getting dressed and cooking meals.

Counselling is offered on a one-to-one and group basis for the seniors and the families to give everyone the opportunity to address their fears, worries and frustrations.

The adjustment to vision loss course is available to support seniors who are in the process of losing their sight.

Vision assessment allows seniors to maximize their capabilities with their current level of vision such as adjusting the placement of a lamp to make reading easier.

Earlier this month, the CNIB held its inaugural Walter Gretzky CNIB Golf Classic in Kelowna to raise funds to be able to continue to provide its services.

The fifth annual Walter Gretzky CNIB Golf Classic was held in Victoria.

The organization’s main purpose is to promote independence.

For more information call 1-800-563-2642.

An assessment will be scheduled through your nearest CNIB office and the programs that you require will be planned.

Taligen gets $10m cash injection for rare disease programs

2010-08-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

| By John Carroll

Taligen Therapeutics has hit another milestone on its journey in search of new therapies for a broad array of inflammatory and immune diseases. The Cambridge, MA-based developer has snagged a $10 million tranche in its $65 million Series B, earmarking much of the money for early clinical stage development work for its lead candidate - TT30.

Taligen set out to prove its drug platform could regulate the "complement system," a pathway in the human immune system. And it has initially zeroed in on rare diseases like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, CEO Abbie Celniker tells FierceBiotech, in part because a small biotech acting alone can mount the kind of tightly-focused clinical trials that can generate significant proof of concept data.

Taligen's strategy, she adds, is to strike partnership deals for ophthalmology-related conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and later, after it achieves the proof of concept stage, plan on collaborative programs for major market diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. The CEO says she hopes to announce the developer's first partnership in the next six months.

"This round of funding demonstrates the significant progress we have made over the last several years related to the development of our proprietary tissue targeting platform technology and our lead drug candidate, TT30," said Celniker. Existing investors including Clarus Ventures, Alta Partners, Sanderling Ventures and High Country Venture proffered the new injection of cash. Taligen was founded in 2004 and has a staff of 17 fulltime equivalents. Celniker says the staff will likely top out at about 20.

Moorfields Eye Hospital Researchers detail data on AMD

2010-08-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

Investigators publish new data in the report 'Increased fundus autofluorescence associated with outer segment shortening in macular translocation model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.' Researchers in London, the United Kingdom conducted a study "To report the frequency and origins of increased fundus autofluorescence (AF) in age-related macular degeneration using the model of macular translocation. In this retrospective observational case series, postoperative serial fundus AF images from 40 consecutive patients were examined."

"The origin of well-delineated increased AF changes was explored by examining simultaneous spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans and coregistered microperimetry. AF images were taken between a mean of 13 and 36 months. Seven patients were excluded from analysis because of lack of postoperative AF imaging or extensive macular RPE atrophy. Of the remaining patients, 9 had masking pattern of foveal AF, 21 had small, round increased AF lesions in the fovea, and 3 had a near normal pattern of foveal hypo-AF. Parafoveal increased AF was seen in all 33 patients in 1 of 3 patterns: well-delineated homogenous increased AF patches (17), curvilinear increased AF bands (4), and speckled increased AF (12). Simultaneous SD-OCT showed loss of signal from the interface of the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptor cell layer with variable loss of outer nuclear layer thickness. Microperimetry showed subnormal retinal sensitivity in regions with increased AF. Parafoveal increased AF size remained stable for 2 to 5 years of follow-up. SD-OCT and microperimetry changes observed after translocation may be attributed to shortening of the outer segments. A corresponding reduction of visual pigment in the shortened outer segments may lead to an unmasking effect," wrote F.K. Chen and colleagues, Moorfields Eye Hospital (see also Age-Related Macular Degeneration).

The researchers concluded: "Increased AF in some macular diseases may be attributed to unmasking of AF rather than to increased fluorophores within abnormal retina."

Chen and colleagues published the results of their research in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (Increased fundus autofluorescence associated with outer segment shortening in macular translocation model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2010;51(8):4207-12).

Lighting your Condo at any age

2010-08-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

However, interestingly this housing lifestyle also appeals to the older generations. This includes early retirees, ready to take life a little easier. It also includes the elderly who can no longer manage steps or may not be able to drive.

To help build some bridges between them, in this article I will cover condo lighting as it affects the age groups a little differently. Some of the tips can apply to anyone.

20-SOMETHINGS For many young people, the notion of home lighting is invisible. The “Millennial” generation currently has the great luxury of taking light for granted. Natural, task, ambient, accent lighting—the young may not know or be interested in the differences because they can see fine with any amount of light. They should enjoy and appreciate this! Over the months and years, they could save considerable energy costs if they learn how to consume the amount of light they need, and only that amount.

On the other hand, plenty of young people are near-sighted. The National Eye Institute (NEI) reports that the prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) has increased 66 percent between 1972 and 2004. Currently, 33.1 percent of Americans are nearsighted, irrespective of age.

At this point, condo dwellers become affected because they typically only have windows and natural light along one, or at most two, sides of their home. In one practical example, they may not be able to get away with using only a laptop computer because they will need larger screens to view text accurately. This when space is at a premium!

Tip: if you are nearsighted, check the power settings on your computer. Computer manufacturers often set default settings to balance power conservation and performance. However, if you are using your laptop at home, it makes sense to change this to “high power” so that your screen always will be as bright as possible.

SENIORS The fact of the matter is, older people need much more light than younger ones. Therefore, the natural-lighting limitations of a condo will present more challenges. One exception to this is loft condos where one huge floor-to-ceiling window can fill a home with ambient light. If you are a senior and can navigate steps comfortably, you may want to consider this option.

Farsightedness, or the ability to focus up close, often affects seniors. For the farsighted, desk lamps are preferable to table lamps with open shades because all of the light can be directed to the reading material or other item requiring scrutiny.

Sometimes age-related vision loss can become more severe. Seniors over 60 become more susceptible to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease characterized by increasingly blurry vision. The NEI predicts that by 2020, there will be nearly 3 million Americans with AMD compared to 2 million today. This is attributable to the aging of the American population. The same trend also signals future increased demand for condos, which in most ways are much more accessible than other homes.

For additional general tips, I recommend the lighting chapter in Cheryl Mendelson’s book Home Comforts.
Author Resource:- Andy Asbury has a unique team of lofts and condos REALTORs® specializing inMinneapolis condos and lofts offering sound advice to clients. His team shares in-depth information onMinneapolis condos and lofts online at www.MinnesotaLoftsandCondos.com. Andy's team specializes in luxury condominum high rises likethe Carlyle Minneapolis and Grant Park Condominiums.

Resveratrol May Have Anti-Inflammatory Effect

2010-08-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

According to research published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism resveratrol, a compound found in the skin of red grapes, appears also to suppress inflammation in humans, a finding that may have implications for both inflammatory and degenerative diseases.

Here are some important diseases that have been linked to inflammation:

Age-related macular degeneration, a condition in which the cells in the retina degenerate, has been linked to inflammation. Research has pointed to abnormalities in the complement cascade that create a pro-inflammatory environment. If you have new distortion or central black spot, you should seek immediate medical attention as this may represent the "wet type" of macular degeneration, for which treatments are available.

Diabetes, a condition in which the body's own insulin is not effective or is present in lower amounts, has been linked to inflammation of the tiny insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Diabetes is associated with a higher link of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and blindness.

Ischemic heart disease, which can cause heart attack, has been linked to inflammation of the inner lining of the coronary arteries. Inflammation associated with plaque can cause sudden cardiac death.

To perform their study, researchers from Kaleida Health's Diabetes-Endocrinology Center of Western New York, gave 10 subjects nutritional supplements containing 40 milligrams of resveratrol. Another then took an identical pill containing no active ingredient. Participants took the pill once a day for six weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at the start of the trial as well as weeks one, three and six.

The results showed that resveratrol suppressed the generation of free radicals. These are unstable molecules which can cause oxidative stress and release proinflammatory factors into the blood stream. Ultimately these molecules are known to damage to the blood vessels and also promote angiogenesis or the formation of new blood vessels.

Todays research shows that resveratrol can have an effect on inflammation in the body. More research is needed to better understand if this compound can lower the prevalence and incidence

Drive Safely

2010-07-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

by Edward J. Huggett, O.D.

I am often asked, "How long is it safe to drive when your vision is deteriorating?" There are three visual factors that are important to consider when it comes to driving. Visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) and contrast sensitivity (CS). There are others I will not cover here, such as eye movements, useful field of view, depth perception, color vision and eye-hand/foot coordination, etc.

So for driving, let us consider: (1) visual acuity, typically known as the "20/20" or "20/40", etc. measurement and (2) visual field, which is the extent of your field of vision and the size of the area of your vision that has no significant defects such as scotomas
(i.e., areas of your vision that are blocked-out). In the United States, your state will have a very definitive statement as to what these two requirements are. Requirements can be found for your state at the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Not meeting either one of these requirements at any time indicates that you should not drive.

Secondly, I would say that if at anytime you are not feeling safe, then it is time to stop. So, even if your vision is "perfect" and you meet the legal requirements for driving, if you feel like your vision isn't good enough to drive, then don't.

If your vision is deteriorating, then you may need to visit your eye doctor or department of motor vehicles more frequently, sometimes every few months, to determine if you still meet the legal requirements for driving. Typically, eye doctors are the better place to go, as they can determine if your visual field is adequate for driving. Most department of motor vehicles cannot measure that important function of vision.

Changing habits

Certainly, driving under ideal conditions is very different than driving at night, in the rain or snow, or in poor light. Also, glare from headlights or the sun can be a problem. Studies suggest that if drivers are prepared to compensate for aging eyesight by adjusting their driving habits, then deteriorating vision is not necessarily a barrier to safe driving. Changing habits may include:

1. Driving only in daylight or on well-lit roads
2. Driving only in good weather
3. Driving only in the familiar local area

Sunglasses

Generally, the best sunglasses are those that wrap around and protect the eyes from the side as well as the front. A neutral grey tint is usually best, as it doesn't alter the color of traffic signals. But I have found that "blue blockers" or another called "shooters yellow," can increase comfort, contrast sensitivity and ability to see during the day. Polarizing sunglasses can also be helpful. Only through trial and error can you know which color of sunglasses are best for you.

Sunglasses or tinted glasses are never recommended for driving at night. While they may seem to reduce glare from headlights, they also make everything else darker too. At night your eyes need more light, not less.

Final suggestions

Make sure your windshield is clean and scratch-free, both inside and out, at all times. In many cases, even small cracks in your windshield will be a covered benefit for replacement by your auto insurance. Contact your auto insurance company to find out.

Ask your mechanic to check that your headlights are correctly aligned to provide good road illumination, while not causing glare for other road users. Look slightly to the left of oncoming traffic at night to avoid suffering from glare which can take some time to recover from.

Any scratches or smudges on your driving glasses (or sunglasses) will increase glare, so keep them clean! Additionally, AAA has a very nice section on their website at www.aaaseniors.com. This area provides excellent information and an online skills assessment for the mature driver.

Remember, if your vision does not meet a safe legal standard, driving will put the lives of others at risk, and your insurance may be void in the event of an accident. But if you meet the requirements, if you are safe and feel safe, and you have somewhere you want to go, then drive and have fun!

For state vision requirements go to http://www.lowvision.com/vision-requirements-for-driving-in-the-united-states/

Glenn Beck Tearfully Reveals He May be Going Blind

2010-07-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

During his “American Revival” meeting in Salt Lake City over the weekend, Glenn Beck revealed some disturbing news to his audience. He has apparently been diagnosed with macular dystrophy, a degenerative disease that affects the eyes and could lead to blindness. Beck told the crowd that a few weeks back he’d visited the “best doctor he could find, because “I couldn’t focus my eyes” (which may explain why he’s been sporting glasses of late on his show).

The doctor told him he has “macular dystrophy” to which Glenn responded: “Is that that Jerry Lewis thing…I should have given more.” Somewhat less funny is the part where the doctor tells him he could go blind within a year…or not — though Glenn manages to turn it into an amusing anecdote: “You’re a doctor like I’m a doctor, aren’t you?!” .

Benefits of Bilberry

2010-07-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Bilberry is the dark and purple fruit of a tall shrub with pointed leaves, which tastes somewhat similar to the American blueberry. The bilberry shrub bears small white and pink flowers which turn into dark purple berries. Bilberry fruit is considered a strong antioxidant and is known to improve blood circulation in body and build strong capillaries. Bilberry extract health supplements are also believed to treat atherosclerosis, cataracts, diabetes(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Diabetes.html), diarrhea, macular degeneration(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Macular-Degeneration.html), night blindness, and retinopathy amongst other diseases. Although bilberry is not believed to be a definite cure for all the claimed diseases, it is still high in demand due to its health-related properties.

Benefits of Using Bilberry

Although bilberry is not an essential component for our body or for the growth and development of our body, it is definitely an important component in disease prevention. The supplement bilberry extract has numerous benefits

1. Strengthens Our Body: Bilberry extract supplements strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and improve blood circulation. Due to its ability to strengthen blood vessels, bilberry extract is considered useful in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It may also prevent easy bruising and is also known to stabilize collagen fiber, which is present in cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Bilberry extract health supplements can also decrease capillary permeability and fragility, inhibit platelet aggregation, and prevent the release and synthesis of pro-inflammatory compounds. It is also known to reduce blood glucose levels.

2. Cure Ophthalmologic Disorders: Bilberry extract has a numerous benefits for the eye. Bilberry extract supplements improve microcapillary circulation in the eye, which deteriorates with aging, increases oxygen and blood delivery to the eye, improves the pigmented area of the eyes, and increases the activity of enzyme within the retina of the eye besides treating cataracts and macular degeneration. Bilberry extract can also be used to prevent glaucoma.

3. Cure ulcers and fibro cysts: Bilberry extract health supplements can also be used in the treatment of stomach ulcers and fibro cysts in the breast. However only limited research has been done in this area to confirm bilberry’s benefit and more study is needed.

Bilberry Extract Supplement

For centuries bilberries were eaten as a food in both fresh and dried form. Now, bilberry extract is also available as a health supplement in the form of capsules. Bilberry extract is the most effective form of taking bilberry and a typical dose constitutes 40-80 mg – taken three times per day this will contain 25% anthocyanosides.

As always before taking this or any other supplement consult with your physician.

SMOKING and HIGH HDL CHOLESTROL

2010-07-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Smoking and high cholesterol are two modifiable risk factors that can affect the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A new study shows that AMD occurs infrequently before age 55 but increases beyond that. There exists the ability to diminish the risk factors by eliminating smoking and lowering HDL cholesterol levels.

The study reveals that early AMD may actually occur in mid-life. Researchers studied participants’ eyes for AMD features that in included drusen size, type, and area; increased retinal pigment; retinal pigment epithelial de-pigmentation; pure geographic atrophy and signs of exudative macular degeneration.

What the study noted is that there is a low prevalence of early AMD, particularly among those younger than 55 years and a higher prevalence of early AMD in men. Early AMD was associated with those participants who smoked and had high HDL cholesterol levels.

Researchers cautioned that the results were not definitive and that many factors can come into play in assessing the risk of AMD.*

Protect Your Eyes

2010-07-06T02:15:00.000-07:00

By DR. ERIK BERGMAN
July 5, 2010

Good eye care is crucial to protecting something that many of us take for granted: sight.

It's one of the five senses that we don't just use every day - we use it almost every waking second of every day. But many face issues with their eyes ranging from nearsightedness or farsightedness, to contagious conditions such as pink-eye, to more serious problems such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.

So what can you do to make sure you don't have a common eye disorder or problem and keep your eyes healthy?

First and foremost, every individual, no matter if he or she has 20/20 vision and has never had an eye problem before, should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam once every two years, if not more often.

The keyword is dilated. The pupil must be dilated for an eye-care professional to get a good view of the back of the eye. One of the top causes of vision loss is diabetic eye disease, and people often don't know they have it until the condition has already affected their sight. The easiest and best way to detect diabetic eye disease, and a range of other issues, is through a dilated exam.

If you're already regularly getting a dilated exam with your ophthalmologist, you've made a great start toward keeping your eyes healthy, but here are some other things you can be doing to protect your sight.

• Find out about your family's eye health history because some eye diseases are hereditary.

• Eat a diet rich in carrots, dark leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and other vegetables.

• Maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can also help manage conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure that may affect sight.

• Wear protective eyewear, whether it be sunglasses to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays, which can cause cataracts and macular problems in the retina, or safety glasses when working with tools or machinery.

• If you wear contacts, clean your hands and contacts properly before putting them in or removing them, to reduce your risk of infection. Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a long time reading or at the computer, follow the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds to look at something at least 20 feet away.

Link between iron overload and macular degeneration under study

2010-06-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

The most common - and under-diagnosed - genetic disease in humans just may be a cause of the worst form of macular degeneration, Medical College of Georgia researchers report.

They are pursuing a link between hemochromatosis, which results in iron overload, and the wet form of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people 60 and older. They suspect that too much iron, known to wreak cumulative havoc on the body's organs, hastens normal aging of the eyes.

If they are correct, avoiding the most severe consequences of a disease that robs the central vision could be as simple as donating blood a couple times annually to reduce iron levels, said Dr. Vadivel Ganapathy, chairman of the MCG School of Medicine Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

A $1.5 million grant from the National Eye Institute is enabling the MCG scientists to define the impact of hemochromatosis on the eye's form and function. Support from MCG's Vision Discovery Institute is enabling screening for its causative genetic mutation in the blood of healthy individuals and those with macular degeneration.

"If this is a predisposing risk for macular degeneration, we have a very useful tool for screening patients," said Dr. Julian Nussbaum, a retinal specialist who chairs the School of Medicine's Department of Ophthalmology and co-directs MCG's Vision Discovery Institute. "We can give patients information right off the bat that may help them."

While linking iron overload to eye disease may seem odd, they have in common the result of too much of a good thing. The eyes need light to see and the body needs iron to deliver oxygen but the price of both is increased oxidative stress, Ganapathy said. "You need oxygen and you need iron to make this bad molecule," he said of oxygen radicals that can destroy tissue down to the DNA.

Light alone takes a slow toll on the retina, which converts it into electrical impulses sent to the brain via the optic nerve. This is despite multiple built-in safeguards such as filters in the cornea and lens that protect against the most harmful rays, like ultraviolet light, and a yellow pigment that provides extra protection for the most central point of vision. Retinal pigmented epithelial cells, which nourish sight-enabling cells in the retina, help gobble up and dump any resulting tissue trash into the circulation for elimination. Leftovers show up as fatty, yellow deposits called drusen.

Everyone experiences some age-related vision changes and accumulation of harmless levels of drusen, Nussbaum said. But when byproducts start accumulating under the retinal pigment epithelium, the risk increases for the wet form of macular degeneration in which fragile new blood vessels grow underneath the retina, leak and cloud vision. The question is why some people's condition worsens.

"We see it in one patient and it may stay that way for 20 years. We see it in another patient and within five years their vision has functionally started to decrease," said Dr. Emory Patterson, an MCG School of Medicine graduate completing his ophthalmology residency at MCG who is helping with the clinical study. Ganapathy first determined that the eye had the means to tightly regulate iron levels. Most organs don't have their own system rather the small intestine regulates absorption of the iron consumed in foods like beans and tofu.

But Ganapathy found the same genetic mutation that causes hemochromatosis in a back layer of the retina, which comes in contact with the blood. A mutation in this HFE gene impairs a protein that regulates iron absorption. The finding in the mouse eye and human retinal pigmented epithelial cells was published in 2004 in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

His lab now has animal models for hemochromatosis as well as juvenile hemochromatosis, which is caused by a different genetic defect and produces much earlier symptoms. In the retina of the models, he's finding increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factors, or VEGF, that enable new blood vessel growth. This growth is the hallmark of the wet form of macular degeneration. In fact, anti-VEGF therapies are the most potent treatments available.

"I tell patients that caught early, they have a 92 percent chance of stabilizing their vision with anti-VEGF therapy but they only have about a 38 percent chance of improving their vision," Nussbaum said. "But at least we can treat it. I also remind them there is not a cure. It's similar to cancer therapy: we can put them
into remission but we don't know if it will come back."

Most people absorb about 10 percent of the iron they consume. Symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, lack of energy, abdominal pain, loss of sex drive and heart problems indicate excess absorption although many with the condition have no symptoms when diagnosed.

Blind women take first in state Women's Club art competition

2010-06-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

By Eric Louie
Contra Costa Times

There are things Virginia Macky and Gloria Smith can't do as they lose their eyesight. The two San Ramon Valley women — considered legally blind from macular degeneration — can't drive, and need help for other tasks around the house.

But that didn't stop the two members of the Danville Women's Club from taking top prizes — one for painting and another for sculpture — in this year's California Federation of Women's Clubs statewide art contest.

"I can't really see what I'm doing, so it's Picaso-esque," said Smith, 84, of San Ramon. A longtime painter of realistic landscapes who also ran an art gallery for a few years in Redondo Beach, she spent four months using a magnifying glass to create her watercolor "My Cat Hates Me" from a magazine photograph. It won first place for advanced water color portrait. "I can't see how much paint is on the brush, which is one of the biggest things."

Macky, 81, of Danville, made a papier-mâché sculpture of her children's former dog Mot. She learned the craft last year in a class at a community center.

"We still do everything," said Macky, who worked off and on for years as a department store buyer. "I don't let (my eyesight) stop me."

Macky was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 1994. The incurable eye disease is the leading cause of blindness for Americans 55 and older, affecting more than 10 million Americans, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

"I can't recognize people from a distance unless I know what they have on," Macky said.

For Smith, the onset of the disease began in 2002. She said her eyesight was not so bad at first, but has gotten worse the past couple years.

"I can't see your face," she said to Macky, sitting across from her at a table during the Danville Women's Club's monthly meeting and lunch. "I can see the shape of your body, but your face is a blur."

To win at the state level, the two first competed in their club's local Mount Diablo district, which includes San Ramon Valley as well as clubs in Lafayette, Brentwood, Stockton and the Tri-Valley. Smith's work was picked for submission to the state from about a dozen, while Macky's was one of about 10, said Anita Carr, a district official. She said the judges — artists who were not in the club — did not know the women were blind.

Neither did the state judges, who picked the winners during the statewide convention last month in Burlingame, said Mary Linn Coleman, with the state federation. Winners got a ribbon and certificate.

"That's interesting," Coleman said upon hearing about the artists' eyesight. "They did an amazing job."

How Drug Muggers Can Slowly Steal the Life Out of You

2010-06-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

By Suzy Cohen

Dear Pharmacist,
I bought your Drug Muggers book and learned that coffee is stealing iron from my body. I’ve had chronic fatigue for years, and now that I’m supplementing with the iron, I’m feeling MUCH better, so thank you! I’m not giving up coffee though. Suzy, would you be willing to share more drug muggers, as a public service, because some people can’t afford to buy your book, but they really need your help. --K.M., Kansas City, Kansas

Answer: Yes, of course and I’ve been sharing this information freely since 1999. The drug mugging effect can explain everything from nagging aches to life-threatening diseases. Replenishing the missing nutrient(s) might be just what the doctor should have ordered! Most people don’t know this but years ago, I asked major publishers to make a book out of this information, but none understood the importance of it, and some felt it would step on pharmaceutical toes. So I spent my own savings to publish “Drug Muggers” and now that book is sold at Amazon.com, NaturalNews.com and my own website, www.DearPharmacist.com where I offer free articles on the topic. For now, here are some very common ‘diseases’ that might be due to to the drug mugging effect:

Depression, osteoporosis or irregular heartbeat- It could be caused by a deficiency of the mineral magnesium. Common drug muggers include female hormones, diuretics, raloxifene, tea/coffee, anti-inflammatories and aspirin.

Bald patches, loss of taste/smell, erectile dysfunction or chronic diarrhea- It might be zinc deficiency. Common drug muggers are anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, antacids, ulcer/heartburn meds, diuretics and estrogen drugs used for birth control and menopause.

Leg cramps, muscle spasms, memory loss or fatigue- May be a deficiency of CoQ10 (ubiquinol). This life-sustaining antioxidant gets demolished by hundreds of medications including statin cholesterol drugs, metformin, anti-depressants, beta blockers and diuretics. I’ve posted a “Big List of Drugs that Mug CoQ10” for free at my website.
Cell damage, high homocysteine, cataracts, macular degeneration, liver problems- It could be tied to low glutathione, a powerful antioxidant needed to detoxify poisons in your body. Acetaminophen is a possible drug mugger of glutathione.

Pins and needles nerve pain, depression, fatigue, anemia, weight gain- This could be related to a deficiency of B vitamins. Your stash gets depleted by female hormones (menopause and birth control), antacids, ulcer meds, diuretics, raloxifene, cholestyramine, diabetic drugs, tea/coffee.

If you read this and just said, “Aha!” then get approval from your doctor to supplement, or order “micronutrient” testing. For pennies a day, you can get your life back! If you decide to wait and see if I’m right (and not replenish what the drug mugger is stealing), then expect these so-called side effects to get diagnosed as a new disease. You’ll get on a medication merry-go-round and it’s a hard ride to get off.

Smoking Increases The Risk Of Age Related Macular Degeneration

2010-05-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

American Chronicle - Hayden Eck

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by problems in the sharp and central vision of a person. It usually affects people who are 60 years and older and is one of the leading causes of vision loss.

Smoking and AMD

Various studies have provided conclusive results that link smoking with an increased risk of suffering from AMD. The chance of suffering from AMD both, atrophic age related macular degeneration and neo-vascular degeneration double in smokers. The studies have also shown that former smokers don´t show the same risk of suffering from this condition; and if compared to people who never smoked, the dice is just about loaded in favour of non smokers. Another finding of the study was that as a smoker you can develop AMD around ten years before non smokers. These studies also draw a link between specific genetic background, heavy smoking, and the risk of AMD. It´s been seen that there is a dramatic increase in the risk factor.

Quit smoking to reduce risk

AMD causes blindness. No two ways about the fact. If you don´t want to lose your vision, it´s important that you do something about your smoking habit. So, what is it that you want to do? Cutting down on your smoking habit is not going to help matters much. You need to cut down completely on cigarettes. It´s not going to be an easy task but you need to quit smoking. If you are having trouble quitting, you can take the help of prescription quit smoking pills like Chantix to help in your efforts to quit smoking.

Accurate and timely diagnosis of AMD

If you think you are facing chronic problems with your vision, its time that you consult your doctor. More so, if you are a smoker! A regular checkup session with your doctor is necessary to know if you are suffering from this condition. AMD is a progressive condition, so you don´t really want to leave it till very late to start off on a treatment plan. Any doctor will tell you that the first thing you must do to help manage your condition is to quit smoking. The doctor can also recommend the intake of various medications along with your quit smoking endeavor. If you have already begun your intake of prescription medications like Chantix, it´s important to make sure that you aren´t going to suffer from any adverse interaction of taking these medications.

Not just another risk factor of smoking

Many smokers might regard AMD as just another health risk of smoking. Also, the fact that it usually manifests itself when you are older, might also contribute to you not giving the due importance to this condition. But, the fact of the matter is that it needs to be treated with due seriousness, because if you don´t, you might start losing your vision. This is going to have a huge impact on the general quality of life. So, why wait for that to happen before you realize the seriousness of the situation.

Hayden Eck - Webmaster of leading online health clinic Chantix-Buy.com, has been providing health newsletters and articles since last three years. He discusses smoking effects with brief description about quit smoking pills

Acucela Enters Fast-Growth Phase As Macular Degeneration Drug Advances to Key Trial

2010-01-22T21:17:00.000-08:00

Acucela has the ambitious goal of fundamentally changing the way doctors treat the so-called “dry” form of age-related macular degeneration, which damages the eyesight of an estimated 29 million elderly people worldwide. The company was spun out of the University of Washington in 2002 by Ryo Kubota, an ophthalmologist on the faculty at the time. His dream is to create a once-daily oral pill that can slow down the progressive vision loss that comes with the dry form of macular degeneration, and ultimately to keep these aging patients from going blind.

The company got a big lift in September 2008 when it struck a partnership with Japan-based Otsuka Pharmaceutical to co-develop its lead drug candidate, and this month it took another big step by entering the first clinical trial that will assess what kind of effect its drug will have on the eyesight of between 50 to 100 elderly patients.

“We want to build a great company, and we want to build it to last. Our investors and our partner believes in it,” Kubota says.

Since Acucela doesn’t usually make a lot of news, some background is certainly in order. Acucela is vying to develop the first effective therapy for the dry form of age-related macular degeneration. It’s caused by yellowish buildups and a loss of pigment in the retina as people age. There is no approved treatment for this disease, unlike the “wet” form of age-related macular degeneration, which can be treated with Roche’s bevacizumab (Avastin) and ranibizumab (Lucentis), which cut off blood flow to leaky vessels behind the eye. The dry form of the disease is generally milder, but the market opportunity is thought to be huge, because as populations around the world age, it is expected to double in incidence over the next two decades.

Acucela’s idea comes in the form of a once-daily pill it calls ACU-4429. The drug is designed to block an enzyme called isomerase. By blocking that enzyme, Acucela hopes to slow down the visual cycle in which Vitamin A is constantly replenished. While people need a constant source of Vitamin A to see, a fast visual cycle can also contribute to the buildup of toxic Vitamin A byproducts in the eye, particularly one called A2E.

Back in May, Acucela presented the first evidence from a clinical trial that said its drug was on track. The initial trial enrolled 36 healthy volunteers at an escalating series of doses, and basically concluded that the drug was safe and well-tolerated.

This month, Acucela is attempting to pass a tougher test. The company started enrolling elderly people with severe cases of the dry form of macular degeneration. The trial, called Envision, will randomly assign patients to get the drug, or a placebo, at a variety of once-daily doses. Patients will be followed up for three months, and researchers will look at how well they can read letters on the eye chart, and a secondary goal that will assess whether the drug is working as intended, by reducing the amount of toxic byproduct buildup in the eye. It’s possible that the trial, as long as it appears safe at escalating doses, could enroll as many as 100 patients, Kubota says. It’s expected to take about one year to complete enrollment, and results should be available by mid-2011, he says.

Although Acucela is entering uncharted territory with a new way of treating this disease, it has competition from Tampa, FL-based Sirion Therapeutics. The competing drug is an oral pill like Acucela’s, made to circulate through the bloodstream, although it is designed to hit a different target than Acucela’s, Kubota says.

While Acucela awaits results from its mid-stage clinical trial, it is working to build up a lot of organizational strength this year, Kubota says. People with expertise in clinical development, preclinical development, and regulatory affairs are being recruited this year. By the end of 2010, Acucela expects to have hired about 60 new people, bringing its staff to about 100, he says. The company hopes to have that organizational horsepower in place by the time it expects to enter the final phase of clinical trials with ACU-4429, for an even more rigorous study that will assess patients’ vision for 18 to 24 months, Kubota says.

Although it’s rare among biotech companies without marketed products, Acucela has been able to operate on a cash-flow positive basis of late, Kubota says. That’s because Otsuka is paying for the company’s R&D expenses, while Acucela has received undisclosed milestone payments for getting this far in development, Kubota says.

“We’re going to be running big clinical trials,” Kubota says. “We think we can change the disease paradigm. Our goal is to cure blindness. It’s a huge ambition.”

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Injections, supplements can help limit age-related macular degeneration

2010-01-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

Three years ago, Catherine Leisher began noticing words were blurred when she read the newspaper. A trip to the eye doctor yielded diagnosis of a condition she had never heard of: age-related macular degeneration.

“I can see to walk, I can look out the window, and I can write,” said the 83-year-old Swatara Twp. resident who has the disease in both eyes. “But I can’t read — it’s all blurred, and I just loved to read.”

Age-related macular degeneration, which affects some 15 million Americans, leads to damage of the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for central vision and controls the ability to read, drive and recognize people’s faces in detail.

“It’s a major public health issue,” said Dr. Ingrid Scott, professor of ophthalmology and public health sciences at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in people over the age of 50 in the United States and the industrialized world.”

The incidence is expected to increase as baby boomers age, said Dr. Erik Chotiner, an ophthalmologist with Memorial Eye Institute in Lower Paxton Twp. “Statistics say that 1.75 million people have advanced AMD now, but that number is expected to rise to 2.95 million by 2025,” he said.

There are two types of the disease, dry and wet, which both can distort vision. Dry macular degeneration, the most common form, usually progresses gradually. The wet form, which occurs when abnormal or leaking blood vessels grow underneath the retina in the area of the macula, can lead to more rapid loss of central vision.

At first, Leisher, who suffers from the wet form, was frightened that she would eventually become blind. However, new drugs injected directly into the eye offer hope to people who suffer from the wet form of AMD.

The drugs, available since 2004, are called anti-VEGF, which stands for “vascular endothelial growth factor” — a family of proteins shown to be important in causing the growth of abnormal blood vessels that characterizes wet macular degeneration.

“Before these drugs, treatment was more primitive and really only helped stabilize, not improve, vision,” Chotiner said.

The anti-VEGF medications, which are injected into the back of the eye with a small needle, work by decreasing the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels.

“It can be uncomfortable, but I’ve never had a patient who wasn’t able to tolerate it,” said Scott, who administers a numbing medication to the eye before giving the shot. “With anti-VEGF drugs, 40 percent of patients have visual improvement, and 95 percent have stabilization of vision.”

“My vision is brighter,” said Leisher, who receives her injections at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “A lot of people I know won’t take the shots because they are afraid of the needle. I hesitated at first, but I think I’d be much worse off if I didn’t do it.”

Another option, called photodynamic therapy, involves injecting a photosensitive drug into a vein in the arm. The dye travels to the blood vessels in the eye and localizes preferentially to the abnormal blood vessels. A cold laser beam is shown into the eye and temporarily reduces blood flow to the abnormal blood vessels. This therapy can slow the rate of vision loss but is much less likely to improve vision like the anti-VEGF medications can, Scott said.

Randee Erb, a 62-year-old New Holland resident diagnosed with wet macular degeneration last spring, has had four anti-VEGF injections and is noticing that her blurred vision is better.

“I dread getting the shots,” said Erb, who has to take the day off work when she gets the injections because they make her eye burn. “But they give me hope that I will be able to see clearly again.”

Every day Erb tests her eyesight by looking at an Amsler grid, a chart of vertical and horizontal lines, which she has taped to her refrigerator. The grid helps patients gauge whether their vision is worsening and they should see their doctor, based on how clear and straight the lines appear. As in Erb’s case the daily exercise can also bring good news. “At first it was all gray; now I’m slowly seeing lines,” she said.

Some patients with AMD might benefit from taking vitamin supplements that can reduce the risk of severe vision loss due to the disease by 25 percent and/or reduce the risk of developing wet AMD by 25 percent, Scott said. Called the AREDS formulation, it includes vitamins A, C, E, zinc and copper.

There are preventative measures that people can take to decrease their chances of developing AMD, doctors said. These include wearing sunglasses, not smoking, cutting down on saturated fats and eating dark green, leafy and orange vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes.

“It’s extremely important to have regular eye exams,” Scott said. “People have often just accepted a decline in vision as part of aging when, in fact, many causes of declining vision can be treated. For example, it’s been shown in clinical trial after clinical trial among patients with wet AMD that the leading predictive factor for a patient’s visual outcome is how early they are diagnosed and treated.”

For more information go to WWW.MACULARDEGENERATIONASSOCIATION.ORG

Smoking Increases Risk Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2010-01-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

According to a new study, it is not a good idea for older people to continue to smoke, as smoking is the second most common risk factor for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a disease that progressively damages the macula i. e. the centre of the retina that makes it possible for us see fine details. Degeneration of the macula prevents people from being able to read, recognise faces or drive, due to experiencing darkness or blurring of their central vision.

What this means is that it is never too late to quit smoking, as even the eyes of the elderly benefit from kicking the habit.

The new study trying to determine whether age influences the effects of smoking on the risk of developing AMD, followed a group of 1,958-women of whom 75 smoked. These women 78-years of age at the start of the baseline exam underwent retinal photographs at five year intervals.

Their retinal images were compared at ages 78 and 83 to see whether AMD had made an appearance, including evaluating whether smoking played a role in their likelihood of developing the disease.

Researchers found that the women who smoked had 11% higher rates of AMD overall, than other women of the same age. As well, they found that 80-plus women who smoked were 5.5-times more likely than the same age women who did not smoke to develop AMD.

The bottom line is that aging increases the risk of AMD, but smoking raises the risk even more.

The study’s findings have been published in the January edition of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

New Macula Eye Disease Discovered

2009-12-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

University of Lowa’s scientists have come out with a finding about a new inherited eye disease that affects a part of the retina called the macula. Macula is the part of retina that forms the high-resolution central vision area.

Macula gets damaged in retinal conditions like macular degeneration and can even suffer in case if the person is a patient of diabetes. Macula plays an integral role especially while reading and driving. The new inherited disease came into the attention of the scientists after a person from United States approached a doctor for eye problem. The finding of the disease is expected to increase the comprehension of other common retinal diseases.

Study's lead author Vinit Mahajan, MD, Ph.D., assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine said, "It is rare to find a new inherited eye disease that affects the macula. We thought we had seen them all." He added, "This newly found retinal disease causes abnormal blood vessels in the macula, and these vessels are prone to bleeding. This causes swelling or scars that ''black out'' or blur parts of the field of vision."

"If a doctor saw just one family member, they would probably call this macular degeneration. We knew there was something different, and we had to examine the rest of the family," Mahajan said.

The whole team of scientists evaluated 20 extended family members who had some or other problem with their eyes. Some were reported with central vision loss while others suffered from strabismus which is a condition of where eyes are not aligned. The findings have been reported in the November 9 issue of the Archives of ophthalmology.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

First New Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Approved for U.S.

2009-12-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

Thirteen embryonic stem-cell lines were approved for use by U.S.-funded researchers today, the first of hundreds of cell colonies that may become available under new polices promised by President Barack Obama.

Stem cells taken from days-old human embryos can be kept alive indefinitely in solution, and have the ability to turn into about 200 cell types in the body. Use of these so-called cell lines is opposed by some people because extracting them destroys the embryos. The stem-cell expansion was announced today by Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, in a telephone briefing with reporters.

Another 20 lines may be cleared as soon as Dec. 4, the first of “a wave” of approvals that could make hundreds available, Collins said. Obama pledged to end U.S. stem-cell restrictions during his presidential campaign. Congress twice voted to overturn the limits, put in place by President George W. Bush, and Bush vetoed both measures.

“With these restrictions now being lifted, we can now compete, hopefully, with the U.K. and some of the other foreign governments that are running with us,” said Robert Lanza, chief scientific officer of Worcester, Massachusetts-based Advanced Cell Technology Inc., in a telephone interview today. “It would be good for us to be back in the game.”

Advanced Cell gained 1 cent to reach 11 cents in over-the- counter trading at 4 p.m. New York time. The shares more than tripled this year. Geron, the Menlo Park, California company whose application to start the first human trial using embryonic stem cells is pending before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, rose 76 cents, or 14 percent, to $6.20 in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The increase was the biggest single-day gain for the company in more than four months.

10,000 Shares

Redwood Partners, a New York-based investment firm, bought 10,000 shares of Geron at $5.70 off the news, said Lisa Duffee, a trader with the company, in a telephone interview today.

“These sorts of stocks get crazy when there’s news,” she said. “They react strongly to the upside or the downside and they’re not expensive. We may hold on to them for a few days to see how much noise it gets. If it really runs up, we could be out today.”

The newly approved lines were created by George Daley, a researcher at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Ali Brivanlou, a researcher at Rockefeller University in New York. They were made using private donations during the eight years that federal funding for stem-cell research was sharply restricted by the Bush administration.

‘Huge Relief’

“It’s been a long time coming and it’s a huge relief,” said Daley, whose research team at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute created 11 of the newly approved lines. “This is the first step toward widely expanded access to hundreds of lines that have been derived since the initial Bush policy of 2001.”

Collins said his agency has approved 31 grants totaling $21 million that have been held up until new cell lines were reviewed and approved. The scientists awarded the grants can now choose which approved cell lines to work with, he said.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the science that can now go forward,” Collins said during the briefing. The announcement should end “what has clearly been a time of some frustration on the part of the research community.”

More embryonic stem-cell grant applications are under review by the NIH as part of the $10 billion provided to the agency in the $787 stimulus package passed by Congress in February, Collins said. Those grants are in the second stage of scrutiny at the agency and may lead to more than $10 million in additional awards, he said.

‘Rigorous’ Review

The NIH conducted a “rigorous” review to make sure the stem cells approved today were made from embryos that were freely donated by women who were not compensated or induced in any way to provide them, Collins said. Scientists had to submit evidence that donors were informed of all options on use of their embryos and provided written consent.

David Prentice, a senior fellow for life sciences at the Family Research Council in Washington, described the new approvals as “unfortunate,” saying stem-cell research had yet to produce results.

“This money would be much better spent on adult stem cell research where we are seeing good results for a variety of diseases including stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis,” he said.

Eye Diseases

Advanced Cell Technology applied to U.S. regulators last month to start human trials on its embryonic stem-cell treatment for Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy, which causes untreatable blindness. The treatment resulted in 100 percent restoration of vision in rat studies with no serious side effects, Lanza said.

The stem-cell colony used in the studies, which wasn’t previously approved for federal research funding, is five to ten times as efficient at replacing lost photoreceptor cells as other lines, Lanza said.

The company plans to pursue the treatment for other forms of macular degeneration, which affects as many as 10 million people in the U.S., according to a company statement.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Earlier Diagnosis Of Ocular Pathologies Such As Keratitis And Macular Degeneration

2009-11-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Carolina Herrera Ortiz
University of Granada

Researchers from the University of Granada have provided an early diagnosis of certain ocular diseases that are very common today, such as age-related macular degeneration and keratitis, by applying an existing optical technique that had never before been used for this purpose.

Scientists from the UGR have studied the image quality in subjects affected by one of these two pathologies, finding a greater amount of ocular aberrations and a higher level of scattering (term associated with the dispersion that light suffers when passing through the various ocular media) in affected eyes compared with results in healthy eyes. This significantly affects visual performance.

This work has been performed by the researcher Carolina Herrera Ortiz, from the Optics Department at the University of Granada, and directed by professors José Ramón Jiménez Cuesta and Francisco Pérez Ocón.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss in developed countries, and mainly affects people of over 50 years of age. As far as keratitis is concerned, this condition causes inflammation of the cornea and can cause blindness, due to the severe alterations that the corneal surface may suffer.

Optical instruments

To carry out this work, the scientists measured the image quality with two optical instruments and used a psychophysical test for assessing visual performance. Results from patients with ARMD were compared with those obtained from a control group of similar age without any ocular pathology. Thus, the researchers could verify that for individuals affected by this condition there is an increased level of ocular scattering that could be mainly due to the disruption suffered by the light reflected in the damaged retina of the ARMD eyes, because a priori optics are not expected to be altered, since it is a retinal pathology.

On the other hand, optical quality and visual performance have also been studied in patients affected by keratitis. Eyes affected by keratitis present a poorer optical quality and a reduced visual performance that improves significantly after the resolution of the pathology. Nevertheless, once medical treatment ends, eyes that suffered from keratitis still have a worse image quality compared to the contralateral healthy eye, a result that significantly influences visual performance even having reached the normal values of visual acuity.

Visual quality characterization

The results of this research carried out at the UGR will make a full and objective characterization of visual quality in patients affected by any of these ocular pathologies. So far, the use of new techniques for assessing objectively the optic quality of the eye has been limited to studies on refractive or cataract surgery. However, as Carolina Ortiz Herrera suggests, this work "may be of particular interest to establish an early diagnosis of certain ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, the main cause of central vision loss in developed countries."

Furthermore, this technique allows researchers to carry out a monitoring of possible stages of both diseases. Ortiz Herrera stresses the importance of including "both in the clinical practice of optometry and ophthalmology" the use of new techniques that, objectively, could indicate deterioration in vision even when the visual acuity values are normal, since "vision is not only seeing well, but providing quality and comfort."

The results of this PhD research led to two publications in journals of international prestige such as Journal of Modern Optics, Cornea. and a future issue of Current Eye Research.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Survey Shows That Americans Lack Significant Knowledge of Age-Related Vision Problems

2009-11-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

Macular degeneration and glaucoma among the top areas Americans have the most misunderstanding according to the American Optometric Association

It's a fact of life that eyes change with age, and baby boomers - Americans born between 1946 and 1964 - are at the stage when many are affected by vision problems. Despite the prevalence of Americans affected by these changes, a new survey from the American Optometric Association (AOA) shows a concerning lack of public knowledge and misunderstanding regarding age-related eye diseases and conditions.

According to the AOA's American Eye-Q® survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of issues related to eye and visual health, only 18 percent of Americans know that macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 years of age and older, and less than a quarter of all Americans understand the effects of glaucoma. Even more concerning, 89 percent of Americans incorrectly believe that glaucoma is preventable, when in fact it is only treatable if caught early.

Americans who are 40 years of age or older have probably noticed changes in vision. Difficulties seeing clearly for reading and close work are among the most common problems adults develop between the ages of 41 to 60. According to the Eye-Q® survey, top concerns about the effects of vision problems include not being able to live independently, cited by 45 percent; not being able to see loved ones, 21 percent; being unable to read, 20 percent and losing the ability to drive, 11 percent.

"When left undetected and untreated, many age-related eye diseases can damage your vision permanently," said Mark Wilkinson, O.D., Chair of the AOA's Vision Rehabilitation Section. "The good news is that most people can preserve their vision with proper treatment, so the key is early detection."

Age-related vision disorders baby boomers and seniors should be aware of include:

•Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - an eye disease that causes loss of central vision. Activities like reading, driving, watching TV and recognizing faces all require clear central vision.
•Diabetic retinopathy - a condition occurring in people with diabetes, which causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. If left untreated, it can cause blindness.
•Cataracts - a cloudy or opaque area in the clear lens of the eye. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other. Cataracts can cause a decrease in contrast sensitivity, a dulling of colors and increased sensitivity to glare.
•Glaucoma - a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve resulting in peripheral vision loss. People at higher risk of developing glaucoma include those with a family history of the disease, older adults, African-Americans and Hispanics.
•Dry eye - a condition where there is an insufficient amount of tears or a poor quality of tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears contribute to clear vision and the health of the front surface of the eye.
•Retinal detachment - tearing or separation of the retina from the underlying tissue. This can be caused by trauma to the eye or head, health problems due to advanced diabetes, and inflammatory disorders of the eye.

The good news is the majority of the American Eye-Q® survey respondents (92 percent) understand that visiting an eye doctor on a regular basis for comprehensive eye exams can help reduce the risk of developing age-related vision problems. The bad news is that respondents were less aware that avoiding smoking (40 percent) and eating a low-fat, low-salt diet (30 percent) can also reduce age-related vision problems.

"Some common warning signs of age-related vision problems include fluctuating vision, seeing floaters or flashes of light, loss of side vision and seeing distorted images," said Dr. Wilkinson. "However, often patients with eye diseases do not have recognizable symptoms until the conditions are quite advanced, so regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for baby boomers and seniors."

Addressing Age-Related Vision Problems

The American Eye-Q® survey also revealed that respondents age 55 and older are taking steps to address their age-related vision problems. Thirty three percent said they limit their night driving; 27 percent use brighter lights; 24 percent use wetting eye drops or artificial tears and 18 percent purchase or request items in large print.

Adding certain nutrients to one's diet every day - either through foods or supplements - can help preserve vision and prevent age-related eye diseases.

The AOA recommends the following eye-healthy nutrients and foods:

•Lutein and zeaxanthin: Colorful fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, green beans, peas, oranges and tangerines
•Essential fatty acids: Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, or herring; whole-grain foods; chicken and eggs
•Vitamin C: Fruits and vegetables, including oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes
•Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, such as safflower or corn oil; almonds and pecans; sweet potatoes and sunflower seeds
•Zinc: Extra-lean red meat, poultry, liver, shellfish, milk, baked beans and whole grains

Dealing with Vision Loss

Comprehensive eye exams are important for Americans of all ages, but become especially important later in life when more Americans develop age-related conditions and begin taking medications more frequently. The AOA recommends that adults over age 60 have a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist once a year or more frequently if a doctor recommends it.

For patients with age-related vision loss, a specialized examination by an optometrist who treats vision impairment is a critical first step in the care process that focuses on maintaining and/or regaining independence and maximizing useful remaining vision. Prescribed treatment options commonly include specialized reading spectacles, spectacle-mounted telescopes, hand-held magnifiers and telescopes, therapeutic filters, specialized contact lenses, field enhancement treatments, and video magnification technology that both enlarge and enhance the contrast of reading materials.

There also are numerous other assistive products that can help with daily activities for people who have vision impairment, such as large-type books, magazines, and newspapers, books-on-tape, talking wristwatches, self-threading needles, and more. To learn more about vision rehabilitation and available treatment options, talk to an optometrist.

For additional information about aging eyes or to find a doctor of optometry in your area, please visit www.aoa.org.

About the survey:

The fourth annual American Eye-Q® survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB). From May 21 - 24, 2009, using an online methodology, PSB interviewed 1,000 Americans 18 years and older who embodied a nationally representative sample of U.S. general population. (Margin of error at 95 percent confidence level.)

About the American Optometric Association (AOA):

The American Optometric Association represents approximately 36,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors. Doctors of optometry provide two-thirds of all primary eye care in the United States.

American Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role in a patient's overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Prior to optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor's degree. Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students is extensive and covers a wide variety of advanced health, science and mathematics. Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral study concentrating on both the eye and systemic health. In addition to their formal training, doctors of optometry must undergo annual continuing education to stay current on the latest standards of care.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Medicare to Pay More to Doctors for Avastin

2009-11-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

In a recent decision, it was announced that Medicare would now pay more to doctors for administering Avastin to patients. Earlier, Medicare had cut payments for Avastin by 80% and had agreed to pay doctors only $7 per dose which is much lower than the $50 per dose costs incurred by them. In turn, the doctors decided to prescribe the more expensive Lucentis which costs $2000 per dose and is not subject to reimbursement limits!! So, in effect the Medicare policy was costing both the taxpayers and the patients (who now had big copays for the $2000 drug). The only entity benefiting from this was Genentech. Genentech says Lucentis is specially formulated with smaller molecules than Avastin to better penetrate the eye. However, many eye doctors say there is no detectable difference in outcomes for patients. The American Academy of Ophthalmologists estimates about 60 percent of all injections for macular degeneration use Avastin. Now, after this policy reversal, it could cost Genentech money due to decrease in sales of Lucentis. Just shows how short sighted senate policies which do not take the full ramifications into account end up having the counter effect!

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

1 shot of gene therapy and children with congenital blindness can now see

2009-10-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

Born with a retinal disease that made him legally blind, and would eventually leave him totally sightless, the nine-year-old boy used to sit in the back of the classroom, relying on the large print on an electronic screen and assisted by teacher aides. Now, after a single injection of genes that produce light-sensitive pigments in the back of his eye, he sits in front with classmates and participates in class without extra help. In the playground, he joins his classmates in playing his first game of softball.

His treatment represents the next step toward medical science's goal of using gene therapy to cure disease. Extending a preliminary study published last year on three young adults, the full study reports successful, sustained results that showed notable improvement in children with congenital blindness.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, used gene therapy to safely improve vision in five children and seven adults with Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA). The greatest improvements occurred in the children, all of whom are now able to navigate a low-light obstacle course—one result that the researchers call "spectacular."

"This result is an exciting one for the entire field of gene therapy," said Katherine A. High, M.D., co-first author of the study and the director of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, the facility that sponsored the clinical trial at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. High, an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and a past president of the American Society of Gene Therapy, has been a pioneer in translational and clinical studies of gene therapy for genetic disease. "This study reports dramatic results in restoring vision to patients who previously had no options for treatment," said High. "These findings may expedite development of gene therapy for more common retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration."

Although the patients did not attain normal eyesight, half of them (six of 12) improved enough that they may no longer be classified as legally blind. "The clinical benefits have persisted for nearly two years since the first subjects were treated with injections of therapeutic genes into their retinas," said senior author Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D., F.M. Kirby professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. For Bennett, the results build on nearly 20 years of gene studies on hereditary blindness, starting with pioneering work in mice and dogs. "These remarkable results," she added, "have laid a foundation for applying gene therapy not only to other forms of childhood-onset retinal disease, but also to more common retinal degenerations."

The study team reported their findings today in an online article in The Lancet.

"Children who were treated with gene therapy are now able to walk and play just like any normally sighted child," said co-first author Albert M. Maguire, M.D., an associate professor of Ophthalmology at Penn and a physician at Children's Hospital. "They can also carry out classroom activities without visual aids."

Maguire and Bennett have been researching inherited retinal degenerations for nearly 20 years. Leber's congenital amaurosis, the target of this current study, is a group of inherited blinding diseases that damages light receptors in the retina. It usually begins stealing sight in early childhood and causes total blindness during a patient's twenties or thirties. Currently, there is no treatment for LCA.

Walking along a dimly lit, simulated street route, the children were able to negotiate barriers they bumped into before the surgery. Another child, who since birth, could only see light and shadows, stared into his father's face and said he could see the color of his eyes. Later they played soccer together.

For children and adults in the study, functional improvements in vision followed single injections of genes that produced proteins to make light receptors work in their retinas.

The 12 subjects ranged in age from 8 to 44 years old at the time of treatment. Four of the children, aged 8 to 11, are the world's youngest individuals to receive gene therapy for a non-lethal disease (A fifth subject was 17 years old). On the other end of the age scale, the 35-year-old man and 44-year-old woman are the oldest patients to ever receive gene therapy for retinal degeneration.

For the current human trial, the research team used a vector, a genetically engineered adeno-associated virus, to carry a normal version of the gene, called RPE65, that is mutated in one form of LCA, called LCA2, that accounts for 8 to 16 percent of all LCA cases. Jeannette Bennicelli, Ph.D., in Bennett's laboratory, cloned the gene. The clinical vector production facility at Children's Hospital's Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics (CCMT), directed by Fraser Wright, Ph.D., manufactured the vector.

The clinical trial brought together subjects and scientists from two continents. Five patients enrolled in the study were identified at the Department of Ophthalmology at the Second University of Naples, an institution with a long-standing program in researching inherited retinal diseases, under the supervision of Francesca Simonelli, M.D. Two children from Belgium were recruited through Ghent University Hospital, under the supervision of Bart Leroy, M.D., Ph.D. Jennifer Wellman, of the CCMT, directed all local and federal regulatory interactions for the study.

Another co-author, Edwin Stone, M.D., Ph.D., Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and director of the Carver Center, a genetic testing laboratory at the University of Iowa, identified and verified several of the disease-causing mutations in the study subjects.

In April 2008, the current study team published encouraging preliminary results in the New England Journal of Medicine regarding three young adults, the first to receive gene therapy in this current clinical trial. Those subjects showed improvements in their visual function in both objective vision tests and subjective reports by the patients themselves. Patients who could only detect hand movements gained the ability to read lines on an eye chart.

After the first group of three young adults was treated safely, the study team extended gene therapy to five children from the United States, Italy and Belgium, in addition to four other adults. Because animal studies conducted by Bennett and colleagues had shown that visual improvement was age-dependent, the researchers tested the hypothesis that younger human subjects would receive greater benefits from the treatment. "LCA is a progressive disease, so if a treatment was possible, it was plausible to intervene before damage to the retina was severe," said Bennett.

In all, 12 patients received the gene therapy via a surgical procedure performed by Maguire starting in October 2007 at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. For each subject, Maguire injected the therapeutic genes into the eye with poorer function. There were three patient cohorts, receiving low, middle and high doses. No serious adverse events occurred in any of the test subjects.

Starting two weeks after the injections, all 12 subjects reported improved vision in dimly lit environments in the injected eye. An objective measurement, which measures how the eye's pupil constricts, showed that all the subjects were able to detect significantly more light after treatment and also showed greater light sensitivity in each patient's treated eye compared to the untreated eye. In addition, before treatment, nine patients had nystagmus, an involuntary movement of the eyes that is common in LCA. After treatment, seven of them had significant improvements in nystagmus.

Some of the most dramatic results, captured on video by the researchers, are apparent as subjects traverse a standardized obstacle course. Before the treatment, the patients had great difficulty avoiding barriers, especially in dim light. After treatment, the children navigated the course more quickly, with fewer errors than before, even at the lowest light levels. Not all the adults performed better on the mobility course, and for those who did, the improvements were more modest compared to the children's.

"In follow-up studies, we will continue to monitor these patients to determine whether this treatment stops the progression of this retinal degeneration," said Maguire. "In the future, we hope to investigate whether other
retinal disease will be amenable to this gene therapy approach."

Thanks to University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine for this article.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Fish intake can help prevent macular degeneration

2009-10-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

The addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the diet, particularly in the form of fish, can help prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration vision loss by more than 30 per cent, according to a new study.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people older than 50, and is an eye disease that attacks the central part of the retina called the macula, which controls fine, detailed vision. The condition results in progressive loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral sight, making it difficult to drive a car, read a book or recognize faces.

With an aging population in Canada, the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) expected to increase by 50 per cent over the next two decades.

Previous research has shown that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish may slow the progression of macular degeneration in those in the advanced stages of the disease.

The current study, published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at 1,837 people in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) who had a moderate to high risk of developing advanced macular degeneration.

They found that those with the highest omega-3 fat intake - mainly from fish and seafood - were 30 per cent less likely to progress to advanced AMD over 12 years than their peers who consumed the least.

Those with the highest intake ate the equivalent of about 3 ounces of Atlantic salmon or 5 ounces of rainbow trout per week.

It's thought that an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may work to prevent damage to the retina through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body, it is essential that people get them through their diet., says Canada AM nutrition expert Leslie Beck.

"I would recommend eating oily fish like salmon, trout or sardines twice per week," she says. "If you don't like fish, consider taking a fish oil capsule once or twice daily. If you're a vegetarian, DHA supplements made from algae are available."

Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, which also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may also reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes -- diseases that are linked to AMD.

More studies are underway to investigate the role of the diet and AMD. AREDS2, a five-year randomized trial involving 4,000 people will test the effectiveness of supplementing with certain antioxidants and/or omega-3 fatty acids on the progression to advanced AMD.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

MIT’s Retinal Implant is Moving Forward, But Hasn’t Caught Up with Argus II

2009-10-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

By Aaron Saenz

Way back at the beginning of the year we told you about the Argus II, an artificial retina that was helping some blind people to see. MIT researchers from the Retinal Implant Research Group led by John Wyatt are developing their own retinal implant that works along much the same principles. As reported in IEEE’s Transactions on Biodmedical Engineering, Wyatt and his team are currently testing the implants for viability in the eyes of pigs. He hopes in the next three years to move to a new prototype and human testing. However, the Argus II is already there with 20 human patients currently testing those devices.

Diseases like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa are responsible for around 25 million cases of blindness worldwide. Retinal implants have the unique ability to bypass the damaged retinal tissue and stimulate the optical nerves that still function. In this way, the blindness is replaced with a very simplified vision that many users define as hazy and limited. Still, tests for the Argus II have allowed some patients to cook, make out shapes at sporting events, and move more easily through their homes. Current artificial retinas are clearly in their infancy, but as these devices are improved in the next few decades, they may serve as a means to restore near-perfect vision.

Distinguishing between the MIT artificial retina and the Argus II isn’t easy. They both use cameras or sensors embedded on glasses to record visual information that is sent to a processing pack. That pack then wirelessly relays the information to an electrode array implanted directly on the eye. As the electrodes stimulate the optic nerve, patients should see a limited series of light and dark spots that correspond to the original visual information from the glasses. The MIT artificial retina may have a superior casing structure, made of titanium.

The biggest difference between the two implants is where the electrodes attach. While the Argus array is placed on the retina, the MIT implant will be connected subretinally. This will reduce the risk of tearing during implantation. This difference may have important implications as complications during operation could affect long term viability (the MIT team wants the implant to last more than 10 years). In most other ways, the two devices are remarkably similar.

Except of course that Argus II seems to be years ahead in terms of producing a marketable product. Besides the fact that the MIT implant is still being tested for safety while the Argus II is in human trials, there’s also the issue of image resolution. The next version of the device, Argus III, is slated to have many more electrodes in the array (1000 vs. the current 60) which will greatly increase the level of detail available to users. The MIT implant, with 15 channels, has a ways to go to catch up.

Yet, even if the MIT device seems to be lagging behind the Argus, it’s good that there is more than one team in the race. Teams, which we should emphasize, are both making good progress even if they are at different stages. The Argus II, as we’ve said before is being tested in 20 patients with remarkable results. The MIT implant has been proven to be safe in pig eyes for at least 10 months, and the programming algorithms have been thoroughly tested. Both teams are well funded and have the potential to create a viable product at some point in the future. For the millions of blind people who suffer from retinal problems, who makes a retinal implant isn’t so important as long as it gets done.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Scientists Develop Antidote For New Class Of Drugs

2009-10-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

A new antidote has been developed by scientists which appears to work against a whole new class of drugs called aptamers.The new compound can quickly counteract the action of the drugs, offering a way to reverse the drugs' actions if a patient develops serious side effects.

The compound was designed to work with a new blood-thinner being developed for heart patients undergoing angioplasty to clear out blocked arteries. Such patients need to take blood thinners to prevent blood clots during surgery, but bleeding is a common side effect.

Bruce Sullenger of Duke University Medical Center said that having an antidote on hand would make the treatments safer. His study was published in the journal Nature Medicine.

The antidote agent appears to work against a whole new class of drugs called aptamers.

Sullenger said,"Most drugs target proteins. The type of drugs we're talking about are ribonucleic acids (RNAs) that target proteins.”

"Normally in our body we don't have these types of molecules outside of cells," Sullenger said.

"What we are doing is using agents that will sop up any nucleic acid. It's basically acting like a sponge. We put the sponge in the one compartment where the drug is," he said.

These antidote molecules controlled the activity of eight different aptamer compounds that was tested by the team.

They also tried it in a pig that had been given an aptamer blood thinner compound. "We showed you could rapidly reverse that blood-thinning effect," he said.

Pfizer's Macugen, a treatment for age-related macular degeneration, is the only aptamer drug that has been currently approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sullenger confirmed that several others were undergoing test.

Regado Biosciences in Durham, North Carolina is the company that is testing his blood thinner, called REG1.

Sullenger thinks that an antidote to this emerging class of drugs will make them safe."We predict that this advance will significantly expand the number of diseases that can be more safely treated using antidote-controllable agents," he said.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

2009-09-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Advanced Cell Completing Pre-Clinical Activities in Preparation for IND Filing

2009-09-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

WORCESTER, Mass.,

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (Advanced Cell, ACT) (OTC: ACTC) provided an update on pre-clinical activities in preparation of its first IND filing with the Food and Drug Administration for its retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell program for the treatment of various eye diseases. In the next few weeks, the Company will be completing the preclinical work necessary for filing the IND. To date, no adverse events have occurred in testing. The results will be part of the submission which Advanced Cell expects to submit to the FDA prior to the end of the year.

"We are very pleased with the long-term safety and efficacy data," said Dr. Robert Lanza, ACT's Chief Scientific Officer. "We have carried out pre-clinical studies using these cells in multiple animal models, and to-date have not seen any teratoma formation or untoward pathological reactions. We are optimistic that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) will serve as a potentially safe and inexhaustible source of RPE for the treatment of a range of macular degenerative diseases."

"We are pleased with the progress we have made in preparation for the FDA submission," said William M. Caldwell IV, Advanced Cell's Chairman and CEO. "In the retina, compromised RPE function can lead to deteriorated vision and photoreceptor loss in both age-related macular degeneration and other forms of degenerative eye disease. We look forward to further studying the role that our RPE cells can play in providing a potential solution to this problem."

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Patient enrollment for Phase 3 clinical trials of VEGF Trap-Eye completed

2009-09-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: REGN) today announced the completion of patient enrollment in two randomized, double-masked, Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating VEGF Trap-Eye in the treatment of the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). In each study of the VIEW (VEGF Trap-Eye: Investigation of Efficacy and Safety in Wet AMD) program, VEGF Trap-Eye is being evaluated for its effect on maintaining and improving vision when dosed as an intravitreal injection on a schedule of 0.5 milligram (mg) every four weeks, 2.0 mg every four weeks, or 2.0 mg every eight weeks (following three monthly doses), as compared with intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis((R)), a registered trademark of Genentech, Inc.) administered 0.5 mg every four weeks during the first year of the studies. As-needed (PRN) dosing with both agents is being evaluated during the second year of each study. These studies are part of the global development program for VEGF Trap-Eye being conducted by Regeneron and Bayer HealthCare AG. Each study has enrolled in excess of the targeted 1,200 patient goal. One-year primary endpoint data from both studies are expected in the fourth quarter of 2010.

VEGF Trap-Eye, an investigational drug, is being developed by Regeneron and Bayer HealthCare AG for the potential treatment of eye diseases, including wet AMD, diabetic macular edema (DME), and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). Regeneron maintains exclusive rights to VEGF Trap-Eye in the United States. Bayer HealthCare has exclusive rights to market VEGF Trap-Eye outside the United States, where the companies will share equally in profits from any future sales of VEGF Trap-Eye.

"Even with recent advances in the treatment of wet AMD, vision is not improved or stabilized in all patients despite monthly office visits and examinations that are inconvenient for these often elderly patients," said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., President of Regeneron Research Laboratories. "This Phase 3 program is exploring various doses and dosing schedules with our novel anti-VEGF investigational agent to evaluate whether further improvements in vision and/or longer dosing intervals than monthly administration are possible."

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Advice for Seniors with Vision Loss

2009-09-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

U.S.News & World Report
By Philip Moeller

Personal experience with macular degeneration.
I have macular degeneration (MD) in both eyes. The Amsler grid is used to determine if you have MD. When I look at the grid with just my right eye all of the lines of the grid seem straight and clear. With my left eye the lines are wavy and distorted. My ophthalmologist diagnosed macular degeneration and sent me to a retina specialist. My mother and both of her siblings had MD, so I was genetically predisposed to get it. The retina specialist took pictures of my macula, the central part of the retina that provides for sharp, clear vision. The pictures showed I had “dry” MD in my right eye, and “wet” in my left. Wet is the worse of the two. Both eyes have “drusens,” which are yellow deposits under the retina. These are early signs of MD but they alone don’t cause severe vision loss. The center of my left retina has a protuberance that is distorting my vision.

Every six weeks I have Lucentis injections in the white part of my left eye. Sounds like it would hurt, but it really doesn’t. They numb the eye before the injection. After the injection I use antibiotic drops for three days to protect against infection. At each visit the doctor takes more pictures to check for change in my left eye. Unfortunately, there’s been no improvement. But it hasn’t gotten worse, so maybe injections have held off progression of the disease. The injections are very costly, so make sure your insurance company agrees to pay before you take them. I also take “AREDS” which is a vitamin complex very rich in eye nutrients. And I take lutein, long considered helpful for eye health. My new glasses include a prism in my left lens that has helped a lot for my distant vision. My reading glasses don’t help much; I actually read better with my left eye closed.

There is an important conference for retina specialists in New York next month. I am hoping to learn results of recent clinical trials to determine other treatment options. I read that vitamin B complex and folic acid have been somewhat effective, but the test results were not at all conclusive. I’m taking them just in case they can help. There are so many researchers working on finding a cure, I'm sure it won't be too long. Good luck and keep your spirits up.

Use the downloadable Amsler grid.
It’s important that anyone diagnosed with macular degeneration check their eyes with the Amsler grid daily and report any changes to the eye doctor. This site also has the latest news articles on the disease. By the way, smokers are 2½ times more likely to get macular degeneration—one more reason to kick the habit.

Exciting new research offers hope for a cure.
I also have macular degeneration. It is the number one cause of visual loss in the U.S., and as people live longer it is expected to become even more prevalent. I read an online article in The Times entitled “Blind to be cured with stem cells” that gave me lots of hope. In London they are experimenting with laboratory trials on animals, replacing degenerated cells with new ones created from embryonic stem cells. The trials have been successful. While the therapy may not be available for six or seven years, it is encouraging that Pfizer, the world’s largest pharmaceutical research company, will produce the artificial membranes on which the embryonic stem cells are placed. Also it appears the treatment may take less than an hour as an outpatient procedure.

For more information go to:www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Acucela to Present at the Rodman & Renshaw 11th Annual Healthcare Conference

2009-09-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Acucela, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing new treatments for blinding eye diseases, announced today that Ryo Kubota, M.D., Ph.D., Acucela’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, will present a company update at the Rodman & Renshaw 11th Annual Healthcare Conference.

The presentation is scheduled for 4:55 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at the New York Palace Hotel in New York City.

“We look forward to presenting an overview of Acucela and more details about our recent clinical progress at the Rodman & Renshaw Healthcare Conference,” stated Dr. Kubota. “With the need for effective blinding eye disease treatments becoming even more critical as our population ages, Acucela is developing a new, oral drug therapy for the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50, dry age-related macular degeneration (“dry AMD”). We’re excited to discuss how we’re approaching this challenging condition, which affects 26 million people worldwide and for which there is currently no approved treatment.”

About Acucela Inc.

Acucela Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on leveraging promising science in visual cycle modulation (VCM) to develop new methods for treating blinding eye diseases that affect tens of millions of people worldwide. The company’s orally-delivered VCM therapies, which selectively target cells within the retina to protect visual acuity, have the potential to be used to treat several devastating eye diseases, including dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinopathy of prematurity, Stargardt disease and diabetic retinopathy.

Stopping Macular Degeneration

2009-08-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

By Margot Kim
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (KFSN) --
It's the leading cause of vision loss for people over 60 -- macular degeneration slowly steals a person's eyesight, making reading, driving and every day living difficult. It's estimated nearly 18 million Americans will have the blinding condition by 2050. Treatment typically involved monthly injections, until now. A new technique could save a person's sight ... along with their time.
Judie Janes' handiwork keeps a long list of friends and family in style. Last year, she thought she made her last stitch.
"I couldn't thread a needle, couldn't see the needle to thread it on my sewing machine," Janes said.
Janes was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration. Abnormal blood vessels growing under her retina were bleeding.
"Vision is not something you can take for granted," Janes said.
Traditionally, doctors inject a drug into the eye that stops the vessels from growing, but it doesn't last.
"It's a big impact on lifestyle for the patients," Peter Sonkin, M.D., a retina specialist at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., told Ivanhoe. "They have to come in once a month, sometimes for a year or two or longer."
In a clinical trial, doctors use a small probe that delivers targeted low-dose radiation to the eye. The goal -- damage abnormal the blood vessels without affecting the healthy parts of the eye.
"The amount of radiation exposure to the body from going through this procedure is less than one would get flying from New York to Los Angeles in a plane," Carl Awh, M.D., also a retina specialist at Baptist Hospital, told Ivanhoe.
Then surgeons inject a dose of the traditional medication. They say the radiation-drug combo is more powerful, lasts longer and could eliminate the need for monthly injections.
"Nothing's blurry," Janes said. "I passed the eye test, and you know you can't fake an eye test."
Janes checks her vision every morning. She went from nearly legally blind -- 20/100 -- to 20/20 after surgery.
"Every morning after I do my little grid test, I look at that prayer and it lets me know how blessed I really am," she said.
A grandma who has too much going on to spend her golden years in the dark.
Patients are sedated for the outpatient surgery which takes about an hour. The technique is in the final stages of approval in Europe and should be available there in August. If the trial is successful in the U.S., the treatment could be available in less than two years.

Healthy Life: Macular Degeneration

2009-08-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

By Ashley Hinson

Story Created: Aug 4, 2009 at 9:40 AM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 4, 2009 at 9:40 AM CDT
BACKGROUND: About 13 million Americans show signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that destroys central vision so things like reading, watching TV and driving are impossible. The condition also robs a person of the ability to see colors and fine detail. Because the U.S. population is expected to age rapidly, cases of AMD are only expected to increase. Middle-aged people have about a 2 percent risk of developing AMD, but this risk increases to almost 30 percent in those over 75 (Source: Emory Healthcare).
There are two types of AMD: wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula, the central part of the retina. Those blood vessels then leak blood and fluid that cause the macula to bulge outward. Symptoms of wet AMD often develop quickly and include seeing straight lines as wavy. Dry AMD happens when light-sensitive cells in the macula break down and blur central vision. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. The condition develops slowly.
TREATMENT: According the American Health Assistance Foundation, currently there is no treatment or cure for dry macular degeneration. However, taking a specific high-dose formula of vitamins and mineral supplements called the AREDS formula has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of progressing from intermediate to advanced or wet macular degeneration. Treatments for wet macular degeneration include drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors (Lucentis, Macugen); photocoagulation, which involves using a high-energy laser to destroy leaking blood vessels; and photodynamic therapy.
RELEARNING TO SEE: Doctors at Emory Eye Center in Atlanta, Ga., are working on a unique form of treatment for AMD that takes advantage of the brain's ability to reorganize itself to make up for vision loss. The therapy involves training AMD patients to focus on using the good cells that remain. "We are encouraging them or influencing them to be able to use those parts of the retina to be able to better utilize the residual vision," Susan Primo, O.D., M.P.H., Director of Low Vision Services at the Emory Eye Center, told Ivanhoe.
In the treatment, doctors first use a computer to map out the areas of the eye that are damaged. The machine then locates the areas that are still sensitive based on factors like thickness of the retina. The computer then uses biofeedback -- in this case a series of beeps that gets faster and louder as the patient moves closer to using the healthiest portion of the eye -- to train the patient to move their eye into the position that gives them the best possible vision.

For more information contact www.maculardegnerationassociation.org

Nearly 18 Million Will Have Macular Degeneration by 2050

2009-04-26T03:56:00.000-07:00

Nearly 18 Million Will Have Macular Degeneration by 2050
By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, April 14 (HealthDay News) -- Although the rate of age-related macular degeneration is on the increase, newer treatments could help reduce the most serious effects of the disease by about 35%, new estimates suggest.
Latest Eyesight News

In a study funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers report that as many as 9.1 million people will have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2010, but that 17.8 million people will have the potentially blinding eye disease by 2050.

"What we found is that due to aging, the number of cases of early and advanced AMD will increase dramatically no matter what," said study author David Rein, a senior research economist from RTI International in Research Triangle Park, N.C. "In 2050, we project there will be 1.57 million cases of blindness [caused by AMD] with no treatment. But, with vigorous treatment, that number's just about 1 million."

Results of the study are published in the April issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Age-related macular degeneration is a serious eye disease that causes the breakdown of the macula, which is located in the retina. The macula gives you clear central vision, which is essential for reading and driving, even for just seeing people's faces. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 65, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmologists (AAO).

Risk factors for AMD include advancing age, a family history of the disease, high blood pressure, smoking and obesity, according to the AAO. Though there are treatments that help some people, there is no cure for AMD.

Most of the treatments for AMD are relatively new, only widely available since about 2001, according to Rein. The easiest and cheapest intervention is a special vitamin/mineral combination (vitamins C, E, beta carotene, zinc and copper) that may slow the progression of AMD. This treatment only costs about $100 per year, and when used early in the disease can "reduce vision-threatening disease by 25%," Rein noted.

Other possible treatments include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), which slows the growth of leaking blood vessels in the eyes, laser therapy or photodynamic therapy (PDT), which combines the use of medication and laser therapy to reduce blood vessel leakage in the eyes.

Using a statistical model, the researchers estimated that the rate of visual impairment would drop by 2.4% if everyone with AMD were treated with PDT alone, but by 22% if PDT was combined with vitamin treatments. If, in the future, everyone were treated with laser therapy and anti-VEGF, visual impairment and blindness from AMD would decrease by 16.9%, and the final scenario -- early vitamin treatment and laser therapy -- would reduce serious visual problems in AMD by 34.5%.

"Age-related macular degeneration is a major public health problem, and as people are living longer, more people are going to develop some form of macular degeneration," said Dr. Alexander Aizman, a clinical instructor in the department of ophthalmology at New York University School of Medicine in New York City. "The scenarios in this study are very plausible."

Aizman said that although there's currently no specific preventive treatment to avoid AMD altogether, the same things that keep your heart and the rest of your body healthy -- maintaining the proper weight, exercising, not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke -- can also help keep your eyes healthy.

"If you have a relative who has been diagnosed with AMD, it's important to know that you're probably at a higher risk of AMD than the general population," said Aizman. "If you're 60 or older, have regular eye checkups with an ophthalmologist or a retinal specialist to find out if you have any early changes that suggest AMD."

SOURCES: David Rein, Ph.D., senior research economist, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, N.C.; Alexander Aizman, M.D., clinical instructor, department of ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York City; April 2009, Archives of Ophthalmology

Stem cell treatment for sight loss could be in use by 2012

2009-04-19T04:57:00.000-07:00

Stem cell treatment for sight loss could be in use by 2012

Published Date: 13 April 2009
By LYNDSAY MOSS, HEALTH CORRESPONDENT
A STEM cell treatment for the leading cause of sight loss in older people could be in widespread use within six years, according to researchers.
The Edinburgh Science Festival will later this week hear that scientists want to start patient trials of the treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 2012.

The work will be discussed at an event looking at drugs to treat people over 65, whose numbers are growing as better health and new treatments mean people are living for longer.

Researchers at University College London are currently working on a treatment using embryonic stem cells to replace the cells lost in the eyes of people with AMD. The condition comes in two forms – known as dry and wet – but treatment currently only exists for the wet form, and this is expensive.

Professor Peter Coffey, from the Institute of Ophthalmology at UCL, said a quarter of population over 65 had AMD.

"There is a carpet of cells at the back of the eye which support the seeing part of the eye, which is the retina.

"That carpet of cells started to degenerate and die, and as a result the person goes blind because the seeing part of the retina no longer has the support that it needs.

"What we are looking at is whether we can put cells back to regenerate that middle layer."

Laboratory tests have so far been encouraging, and the researchers are working towards producing cells suitable for clinical use.

Once regulatory approval is granted, it is hoped a small trial involving about ten patients will begin in 2011-12.

He's legally blind and a successful hitting coach

2009-04-11T03:39:00.000-07:00

He's legally blind and a successful hitting coach

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -Mark Wetzel can't tell you exactly what his wife or children look like.

He can, however, tell you how to hit a 95 mph fastball.

Even one of baseball's greatest hitters, Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, has taken the advice of the man known simply as the "blind guy.''

Left legally blind 45 years ago by macular degeneration, the 59-year-old Wetzel has immersed himself in the study of the swing for the last two decades.

His "laboratory,'' as he calls his training facility, is just a few paces from the front door of the home he shares with wife, Judy, on some land on the north edge of Omaha.

Three nights a week and Sunday afternoons, he breaks down the swings of some 50 students, little leaguers to pros who travel a winding road through the woods and turn off on a gravel driveway leading past a fishing pond to the red steel building that houses two batting cages.

Wetzel knows his students' swings, but not their faces.

He prods, encourages, tweaks.

He usually gets results.

Some have compared his logic-defying talent to that of a horse whisperer.

"Guys ask me all the time how he does it. I tell them I have no idea,'' said Matt Macri, who became Wetzel's first pupil to reach the majors when he appeared in 18 games for the Minnesota Twins last year.

Macular degeneration blurs the center of the field of vision, but Wetzel is able to use his peripheral vision to see shapes and outlines. "That's where I live,'' he said.

Wetzel said when he looks straight ahead, he can see two fingers held 2 feet from his face, but the view is cloudy.

Instead of looking directly at the batter he's instructing, he turns his head and watches him out of the corner of his eye.

"I can tell where the knob of the bat is, and I know exactly what your elbow is doing and where your head is going to go next,'' Wetzel said. "I see that outline, and I connect all the dots.

"You take your great running backs and point guards, and they have great peripheral vision. I'm not so sure they don't see the body move in a different way than the average person does. You can almost see the body move before the body goes there.''

Of course, there are those who condescend or doubt that a blind man could really teach hitting.

The folksy, self-deprecating Wetzel brushes it off.

Asked why he teaches hitting, he says, "Well, do you think I should teach catching? I'm only good for two or three knocks to the head a day.''

Wetzel said he took to heart his grandfather's lectures about not allowing blindness to stop him from doing what he wants.

So he yuks it up about the days he drove a truck for the portable-toilet business he once owned. That's right. He drove, but not for the last 15 years. And don't ask whether he had a license.

"I would go to great lengths to never turn left. That meant you had to turn against traffic,'' he said, letting out a big laugh.

He also used to be a hunting guide, but he had to quit that when he couldn't see birds' silhouettes against the sky anymore.

Baseball was his boyhood passion, and it remains so. He makes a living charging $90 for a one-hour lesson.

He is, to be sure, doing what he wants.

He points out that he's had eight of his players drafted the past six years, and some 30 have gone on to Division I college baseball since he started teaching 22 years ago.

"It's a little bit unorthodox because of his vision problems,'' said Gwynn, who became coach at San Diego State after retiring from the Padres in 2001. "He gets right in there, and he totally gets it.''

Wetzel holds once- or twice-a-month gabfests on the phone about the batter's art with Gwynn and former major league hitting coach Merv Rettenmund. Wetzel met both through a friend, Omaha native and former Padres pitching coach Dan Worthen, who's now with the New York Mets.

Wetzel earned Gwynn's respect shortly after they met about 10 years ago. Wetzel was visiting with him in the dugout before a Padres' game in St. Louis, and the conversation turned to Gwynn's swing.

Wetzel pointed out a flaw, something about the way Gwynn was pushing off with his back foot.

A career .338 hitter and winner of eight National League batting titles, Gwynn was stunned.

"Major league hitters have egos, and my first thought was, 'Who is this blind guy to tell me what I'm doing wrong?' " Gwynn recalled.

Gwynn said he thought about what Wetzel said, and discovered Wetzel was right.

"I decided to go to work on it, and I got it fixed,'' he said.

Wetzel first had trouble seeing when he was 11. He was a good ballplayer, but he started misjudging flies in the outfield and striking out.

He was legally blind three years later. His playing days were over.

He worked a variety of jobs as he got older. There were the portable-toilet and hunting-guide businesses, and he trained dogs and operated a kennel.

Baseball came back into his life when his son, Lance, started playing in the 1980s.

Wetzel wanted to help out with Lance's team but was shooed away.

"They wanted to put me on (soda) pop duty, or help the moms line up the snacks for after the games,'' he said.

Despite his blindness, he thought he could teach hitting better than Lance's coaches. He would watch instructional videos by sitting with his nose pressed up against the TV. Within a year or two, fathers started to bring their sons to see the blind guy.

Wetzel has come up with a philosophy that places a premium on the batter's ability to relax. Without prompting, he talks about shifting weight to the front of the feet through incremental chin movements. He touts the "million-dollar inch,'' referring to the front elbow's alignment over the belly button, and the importance of "centering the ball.''

"When I was a player, and even when I was coaching, I never thought anyone could teach hitting unless he had done it himself,'' Rettenmund said. "Mark Wetzel proved me wrong.''

Wetzel's students come from near and far. Macri, who grew up 130 miles away in Des Moines, Iowa, started taking lessons from Wetzel 10 years ago when he was a high school freshman. Macri lives in Chicago in the offseason, but still makes it to Wetzel's "laboratory'' once or twice a winter.

A new student, 9 years old, comes in from Kearney, about 180 miles away.

"I think the good lord,'' Wetzel said, "has given me a gift.''

Zebra fish used to study blindness

2009-04-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

Zebra fish used to study blindness
Published: April 3, 2009 at 12:14 PM

WEST LAYFAYETTE, Ind., April 3 (UPI) -- Experiments with zebra fish are helping identify genes linked to retinal diseases that cause blindness, a Purdue University scientist said.

"Once we know the genetic network that influences retinal development, we can begin to understand the changes in specific genes that lead to vision loss," Yuk Fai Leung said.

With such information, treatments could be developed to prevent or reverse diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, he said.

Using zebra fish, which are closer to humans in eye development than mice or other animal models, a Purdue team developed a new analysis method for analyzing key genes linked to retinal development.

The method can examine thousands of genes and analyze several experimental changes simultaneously, allowing scientists to understand how one change leads to another in degenerative diseases, Leung said.

Retinal degenerative diseases are some of the leading causes of blindness and low vision in an estimated 3.3 million people age 40 and older in the United States, the National Eye Institute said.

FDA Panel to Review Sci-Fi Device for AMD

2009-03-30T04:27:00.000-07:00

FDA Panel to Review Sci-Fi Device for AMD
By Emily P. Walker, Washington Correspondent, MedPage Today
Published: March 27, 2009
Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Click here to rate this report
GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 27 -- An FDA advisory committee may recommend today that patients with macular degeneration have access to a technology straight out of the 1970s TV show, The Six Million Dollar Man.

On tap for the Ophthalmic Devices Panel is a miniature telescope that is implanted in the eye. On television, it gave Steve Austin super-long-range vision.

But the real-life product up for premarket approval won't play a role in covert government operations -- it's intended to improve the eyesight of elderly people with macular degeneration.

Called the Implantable Miniature Telescope, the device is made by Vision Care Ophthalmic Technologies, which wants to market it for patients who are 65 or older with stable moderate to profound vision impairment caused by bilateral central scotomas associated with end-stage age-related macular degeneration.

The device directs light from the lens onto still-functioning portions of the macula to maintain central sight. It increases vision up to about three meters, helping patients to read and perform other close-up tasks, though doing nothing for their ability to drive.

The device would be implanted in one eye. Because it only improves central vision, implant recipients would rely on the opposite eye for peripheral sight.

The application calls for the device to be implanted by cornea specialists who are trained by Vision Care.

This is the second time the company has sought FDA approval for the device.

The panel voted against recommending approval in 2006, saying there was not enough proof the telescope was effective and too much evidence that it was not safe.

Most concerning to the 2006 panel was higher-than-expected cell loss in the implanted eye.

Since then, the sponsor has submitted longer-term data showing the telescope improves central vision. But the studies also showed that the benefit decreases over time.

Also since the last meeting, there have been an additional seven reports of late-occurring corneal edema. Ten of the 13 total cases of corneal edema were observed two years after surgery.

In addition, more cases of corneal decompensation have turned up in the long-term data.

For the original study, researchers implanted one of two versions of the telescope in 206 patients with incurable central vision disorders and who were over 55 and had a need for cataract surgery.

To be eligible for the trial, patients needed to have "best corrected distance visual acuity" between 20/80 and 20/800, and have adequate peripheral vision in the nonimplanted eye.

The primary endpoint for efficacy was improvement of two lines or greater in either near or distance vision, which was achieved in 86% of patients at follow-up.

But the data indicated that the longer the telescope stays in place, the effectiveness diminishes slightly.

For instance, at 12 months, 90% of patients had two lines of improved vision in either near or distance vision, but at 24 months, that number dropped to 86% (P<0.001 for both).

At 12 months, 73% of patients had improvements in both near and distance vision simultaneously. At two years, that percentage dropped to 67% of patients.

In a four-year follow-up that the company completed at the request of the FDA, just 68% of the patients achieved a two-line or greater gain in either long distance or near vision four years after the surgery.

Eyes with profound vision impairment showed a more significant improvement compared with those with moderate vision impairment, which was sustained throughout the entire study period.

During the study, five eyes lost more than two lines of vision, and eight devices were eventually removed because of patient dissatisfaction.

The panel, which is chaired by Jayne Weiss, M.D., an ophthalmologist from the Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, will decide whether the new data provide reasonable assurance of an acceptable long-term risk of corneal decompensation.

The panel will also decide whether the sponsor took into account the improvement in vision after cataract removal without telescope implantation.

Details of age-related blindness may be obtained from 3-D snapshots of eyes

2009-03-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Details of age-related blindness may be obtained from 3-D snapshots of eyes

March 20th, 2009 - 11:27 am ICT by ANI -

Washington, March 20 (ANI): A group of U.S. scientists have created ultra-detailed 3-D images of the eyes of more than 2,000 people from different ethnic groups, 400 of whom have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), hoping that they will pave the way for new diagnostic software that will help get a better look at the abnormalities that cause this condition, and prove useful for developing new treatments.
The team was led by James Fujimoto at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and collaborators Jay Duker of the Tufts University School of Medicine, and Joel Schuman of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
AMD is a condition in which the macula, the region of highest visual acuity in the retina, stops functioning properly. No treatment currently exists for dry AMD, and those available for the wet form can only slow, not stop, vision loss.
The researchers say that publishing the electronic data in 3-D images may make it available to the image processing community to develop computer programs that can quickly and automatically detect the details and severity of the disease.
Fujimoto admits that developing such a program will be difficult because of the sheer quantity of data contained in each data set.
He, however, insists that this data is important because quantitative measurements can be used to track disease progression, and help establish correlations between the severity of vision loss and changes in the architecture of the eye.
A report on the research teams work has been published in the journal Optics Express. (ANI)

New Test for Early Detection of MD

2009-03-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Mar 10, 2009 07:00 ET
Revolutionary Genetic Test Now Available for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
For the first time ever, an individual's inherent risk of developing this devastating eye disease can be determined
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 10, 2009) - ArcticDx Inc., a molecular diagnostic company with expertise in the design, development and commercialization of validated molecular diagnostic tests, announced today the availability of a test specifically designed to determine one's inherited risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration ("AMD").
AMD is the leading cause of late onset visual impairment and legal blindness in the western world among people over the age of 50. According to reports from the AMD Alliance International and the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, more people have AMD than breast cancer, prostate cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease combined. Over 15 million people in North America are currently affected by AMD and experts estimate that, as the population ages, the number of those afflicted will double by the year 2020.
AMD is a progressive disease associated with aging that causes damage to the macula - the light-sensitive cells at the center of the retina at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for our ability to see with enough detail to read, drive, watch television and perform other activities that require focused, straight-ahead vision, as well as providing information that allows us to perceive colors. Once significant vision is lost, it cannot be restored and, if untreated, AMD will ultimately lead to blindness.
Seventy-five to eighty percent of all AMD has been traced to genes inherited from family members. Until recently, there was no opportunity to determine who may carry these genes or be at risk. The test, Macula Risk(R), changes that. It was developed by a leading geneticist, Dr. Brent Zanke, (Chairman and Chief Medical Officer of ArcticDx) in collaboration with an international group of independent research scientists. Analytical studies have shown this test to be 100% accurate in identifying the AMD genes.
Macula Risk(R) is now available as a CLIA-certified laboratory saliva test to anyone who is concerned about a family member or themselves. It is recommended that adults be tested once in their lifetime. Knowing the risk and accessing appropriate care may save the vision of countless individuals who otherwise would not have taken necessary action until it was too late. Individuals with a diagnosed drusen (early AMD) should check with their eye care professional to see if the test is right for them.
Dr. David Chow, a world-renowned retinal specialist practicing at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, commented, "Macula Risk(R) will identify patients at risk so they can be diligently monitored as their disease progresses. Early detection has the potential of significantly improving the final visual outcome of these patients who will develop advanced AMD. The efficacy of treatments like ranibizumab is greater for patients detected earlier with higher baseline visual acuity and smaller lesions."
"Individuals with a family history of AMD may themselves have early signs of the disease and not yet know it," commented Dr. Zanke. "For those with early disease, Macula Risk(R) will tell them if they are likely to progress to vision loss so they can seek professional support from an eyecare professional."
ArcticDx will introduce the test in Canada through the Company's exclusive Canadian distribution partner, Clarion Medical Technologies of Cambridge, Ontario. In the U.S., ArcticDx Inc. will introduce the testing service directly. The company has engaged a team of US vitreo-retinal medical advisors along with Dr. David Chow, Chairman. They include Dr. Carl Awh (Tennessee Retina), Dr. Tarek Hassan (Associated Retinal Consultants, Michigan), Dr. Phillip Ferrone (Long Island VitreoRetinal Associates, New York), Dr. Pravin Dugel (Retinal Consultants of Arizona) and Dr. Peter Kaiser (Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio).

Cataract Surgery Doesn't Worsen AMD

2009-02-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

Study says surgical advances may explain away the link seen in earlier research

Robert Preidt

THURSDAY, Feb. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Cataract surgery doesn't hasten vision loss in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

That's the conclusion of a new study that challenges the findings of several large epidemiological studies that suggested a link between cataract surgery and accelerated AMD progression.

AMD and cataracts are leading causes of vision impairment in the United States. Both are related to aging and share other risk factors. AMD affects the retina and leads to loss of central vision. Cataract is cloudiness in the eye's lens that interferes with clear vision.

For the new study, Dr. Emily Y. Chew, of the U.S. National Eye Institute, and colleagues analyzed data from 4,577 participants (8,050 eyes), ages 55 to 81, who took part in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). The researchers compared the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration in people who had surgery to remove cataracts and in those who didn't have the surgery.

Chew and her team found little evidence that cataract surgery influences AMD progression. The study was published in the February issue of the journal Ophthalmology.

"These data may provide some reassurance to patients with AMD who are considering cataract surgery," Chew said in an American Academy of Ophthalmology news release.

Several possible factors may explain the conflicting conclusions of this new study and previous population-based research, Chew said. The most likely factor is that earlier studies may have had unintended biases or confounding variables. Chew also noted that cataract surgery and lens replacement techniques have advanced, and the AREDS participants' procedures were performed more recently than people included in earlier studies.

Hope For Macular Degeneration Patients

2009-02-17T16:52:00.000-08:00

By Donna Willis
Web Content Coordinator
Published: February 16, 2009

CENTRAL OHIO—A groundbreaking surgery here in Columbus promised new hope in the treatment of the No. 1 cause of adult blindness.

NBC 4’s Colleen Marshall GETS TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER.

Macular degeneration blinded 500,000 Americans last year, and that number was expected to double during the next five years.

Macular degeneration is a breakdown in the blood vessels in the retina, the tissue lining of the eye, and is caused by the same things that cause heart problems: fatty diets, high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle, age, obesity and heredity.

The Retina Group, in Downtown, was set be the first in the Midwest or East to surgically insert medicine to the back of the eye through a new catheter system.

The surgery was scheduled for Tuesday morning.

“In between the retina and the sclera, which is the white part of the eye, we pass the catheter all the way back directly to where those abnormal blood vessels are, and we deliver the medicine,“ Dr. Michael Samuel said. Samuel is with The Retina Group.

“This is supposed to relieve me for six to eight months of having to have that needle in the eyeball, which would be heaven,“ said patient Mary Thompson.

Thompson was diagnosed with macular degeneration four years ago.

It was thought the new surgery could provide a cure for some people.

nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.

Vigorous exercise may prevent vision loss

2009-02-12T08:56:00.001-08:00

There’s another reason to dust off those running shoes. Vigorous exercise may help prevent vision loss, according to a pair of studies from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The studies tracked approximately 31,000 runners for more than seven years, and found that running reduced the risk of both cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

The research, which is among the first to suggest that vigorous exercise may help prevent vision loss, offers hope for people seeking to fend off the onset of eye disease.

“In addition to obtaining regular eye exams, people can take a more active role in preserving their vision,” says Paul Williams, an epidemiologist in Berkeley Lab’s Life Sciences Division who conducted the research. “The studies suggest that people can perhaps lessen their risk for these diseases by taking part in a fitness regimen that includes vigorous exercise.”

A cataract, which is a cloudy opacity of the eye lens, is the leading cause of blindness. More than one-half of people in the U.S. over the age of 65 suffer from some form of cataracts. Age-related macular degeneration, which is damage to the retina, is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older white Americans, affecting 28 percent of people aged 75 and older.

The diseases have several known risk factors, such as sunlight exposure and diabetes in the case of cataracts, but few interventions. Now, it appears that vigorous cardiovascular exercise may be one way to derail the diseases.

To conduct the research, Williams analyzed data collected in the National Runners’ Health Study, which he established in 1991 to determine the health benefits of running.

In this case, he followed approximately 29,000 male runners and 12,000 female runners for more than seven years. Of these people, 733 men reported being diagnosed with cataracts on a questionnaire filled out at the end of the study. Too few women reported cataracts to track.

Men who ran more than 5.7 miles per day had a 35 percent lower risk of developing cataracts than men who ran less than 1.4 miles per day. The study also analyzed men’s 10-kilometer race performances, which is a good indicator of overall fitness. The fittest men boasted one-half the risk of developing cataracts compared to the least-fit men.

A second study found that running appeared to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. In the study, 152 men and women reported being diagnosed with the disease. Compared to people who ran less than 1.2 miles per day, people who averaged between 1.2 and 2.4 miles per day had a 19 percent lower risk for the disease, and people who ran more than 2.4 miles per day had between 42 percent and 54 percent lower risk of the disease.

“These findings are compelling because of the large size of the study, and the fact that we are looking at something that is fairly well defined: vigorous exercise, as opposed to more moderate exercise,” says Williams.

Most of the runners in the study exceeded the current public health recommendations for physical activity, which is at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking five days a week, or smaller doses of more vigorous exercise such as running. It is unclear whether people might also lower their risk for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration by walking.

“We know there are important health benefits to walking, including lowering heart disease risk,” says Williams. “It is quite likely that the studies’ results might apply to a lesser extent to smaller doses of more moderate exercise.”

Williams also adds that further research is needed to explore why there is a link between vigorous exercise and a decreased risk for eye disease.

“We know some of the physiological benefits of exercise, and we know about the physiological background of these diseases, so we need to better understand where there’s an overlap,” says Williams.

The studies are published in the January 2009 issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. They were supported in part by grants from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Berkeley, California. It conducts unclassified scientific research and is managed by the University of California. Visit our website at http://www.lbl.gov.
Additional information:

* More information on Williams’ research can be found at http://healthresearch.lbl.gov.

Ghostly faces and visions of 'little people': The eye disorder that leaves thousands of Britons fearing they've lost their senses

2009-02-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

By Morag Preston
Last updated at 8:06 AM on 03rd February 2009

Following his wife's death six years ago, David Stannard has become accustomed to spending quiet evenings alone at his home in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

So it came as a surprise to the 73-year-old when he looked up from his television one evening to discover he was sharing his living room with two RAF pilots and a schoolboy.

'The pilots were standing next to the TV, watching it as if they were in the wings of a theatre,' he says.

'The little boy was in a grey, Fifties-style school uniform. He just stood there in the hearth looking puzzled. He was 18 inches high at most.'

Mr Stannard's guests never said a word and vanished after 15 minutes. That night, he says, the walls of his house, which had always been white, looked as though they had been redecorated in patterned wallpaper with a brickwork effect.

The next morning he was caught off-guard again when he found a fair-haired girl standing on his sofa. She also appeared to be from the Fifties, but was life-size, wearing a short skirt and pink cardigan, with chubby knees, white ankle socks and ribbons in her hair.

'I watched her for a while,' he says. 'She didn't move much. Then she was gone.'

It would be easy to dismiss Mr Stannard's story as the bizarre imaginings of an elderly mind. Fortunately, he knew he wasn't losing his mind; neither was his house haunted.

A few weeks earlier he had been registered blind, though he was still able to watch television if he sat at a certain angle. He'd been warned that as his eyesight deteriorated, he might experience visual hallucinations in the form of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS).

'I was lucky enough to know what it was,' he says, 'otherwise I would have thought I was going bonkers.'

An estimated 100,000 people in Britain have Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), which leads to hallucinations. These can include visions of miniature people.

An estimated 100,000 people in the UK have CBS, but many won't realise it because the condition remains something of a mystery.

The real number is probably higher because sufferers are often too ashamed to talk about what they have seen for fear of being considered crazy.

The late historian Lord Dacre of Glanton, formerly Hugh Trevor-Roper, was unusual among CBS patients in that he talked openly about what he jokingly referred to as his 'phantasmagoria'.

He would see horses and bicycles racing, and whole landscapes whizzing by as if he were on a train. On one occasion, he found himself trapped in an apparently endless tunnel.

Hallucinations tend to have common themes: simple geometric patterns, disembodied faces with jumbled features, landscapes, groups of people, musical notes, vehicles and miniature figures in Victorian or Edwardian costume. They can be in black and white or colour, moving or still, but they are always silent.

The condition was named after Charles Bonnet, an 18th-century Swiss natural philosopher whose grandfather had seen people, patterns and vehicles that were not really there. Bonnet was the first person to identify that you could have visual hallucinations and still be mentally sound.

The condition can affect anybody at any age with diminishing eyesight. Even people with normal vision can develop it if they blindfold themselves for long enough.

But most people who have CBS have it as a side-effect of age-related macular degeneration - the most common cause of blindness in the UK. It is thought that up to 60 per cent of patients with severe vision loss develop CBS.

Crucially, CBS is caused by lack of visual stimulation rather than mental dysfunction.

Usually, on opening our eyes, the nerve cells in the retina send a constant stream of impulses to the visual parts of the brain. If the retina is damaged, the stream of impulses reduces, but - rather than lie dormant - other parts of the brain become hyperactive.

So when the brain isn't receiving as many pictures as it is used to, it builds its own artificial images instead from the areas we use every day to process faces, objects, landscapes and colours.

What you hallucinate depends on which part of the brain these increases are located. But why only a proportion of patients with macular degeneration experience hallucinations is still unknown, or why younger patients with macular degeneration are less likely to have CBS than older ones.

Dr Dominic ffytche, a senior lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry, is a leading expert on CBS. He has been at the forefront of a campaign led by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and The Macular Disease Society calling for eye doctors to warn patients with macular degeneration that they may develop CBS.

He says: 'In our experience, forewarning and knowledge of the possibility of hallucinations helps patients cope when they occur. It allows them to realise this indicates a functional problem with their sight and not a problem with their mind.'

It is thought that stimulating the fingertips, for example by feeling a dice with dimples, can help sufferers of CBS stop experiencing hallucinations.

In 2003, Sandra Jones, 54, a former TV producer, thought she was losing her mind when she started seeing faces looming towards her out of nowhere.

Having visited various massacre sites, including Rwanda, as part of her job, she assumed it was a form of post-traumatic stress disorder.

'Part of me thought this was payback time,' she says.

The faces would swirl off the pages of the book she was reading, or appear in front of her computer screen. It would happen three or four times a day, usually when she was feeling relaxed or trying to get to sleep.

'Some nights I couldn't lose them and I would only get an hour's sleep,' she says. 'Closing my eyes wouldn't help, so I'd get up and clean my house just to keep moving. I got the feeling that if I was tired, it would help me fall asleep, which would then free up my mind.'

She didn't dare tell friends or anyone at work for fear of jeopardising her job, and found out about CBS only after researching her symptoms online. Earlier that year she had been diagnosed with Sorsby's fundus dystrophy, a rare genetic eye condition which causes early onset macular degeneration, but nobody had warned her that hallucinations might be a side-effect.

'The unpleasant feeling was of not being in control,' she says. 'Once they are identified, they are not a problem.'

If the retina is damaged, the stream of impulses reduces and other parts of the brain become hyperactive.

Hallucinations can last from only a few seconds to several hours. In a minority of unlucky cases, they are continuous throughout the day. Patients usually have several daily before they taper off to once a week, then once a month.

For 60 per cent of patients, they will stop entirely after 18 months. There has not yet been a long-term study, but some patients report having them for at least three years.

Part of Dr ffytche's research involves looking into ways patients can stop the hallucinations. 'There won't be a single recipe for everyone,' he says. 'But hallucinations tend to occur when you are in a state of drowsy wakefulness, so you want to rouse yourself.'

As the condition is caused by a lack of stimulation in the visual part of the brain, one of the techniques he is investigating is stimulating the fingertips.

This is based on the fact that studies of brain scans of sight-impaired people reading Braille show increased activity in that area. The theory is that even feeling a dice with dimples could bring visions to a halt.

Other techniques include holding your breath; turning on a light if it is off, or vice-versa; standing up if you are sitting down; and moving your eyes. In extreme cases, medication is used. But the drugs can have side-effects such as tremors, drowsiness, sickness and diarrhoea.

Dr Winfried Amoaku, chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and a specialist in macular degeneration, says when they come to visit him, patients do two things: first, they request that nobody else is in the room before mentioning the hallucinations, then afterwards they breathe a sigh of relief.

For Mary Orr, 84, from West Kilbride, the final straw was seeing the walls of her house covered in white fur. In desperation, she started to claw at them. 'It was then I thought: "I can't live like this," ' she says.

After months assuming she had dementia, she was referred to a psychiatrist who recognised the signs of CBS straight away and told her to see an eye doctor.

It explains why she still sees pink squares and snakes rising out of the pavement, but Mary is resolute that the worst is behind her. As she says: 'It's the fear of not knowing what's happening that you can't live with.'

• The Macular Disease Society, www.maculardisease.org, 0845 241 2041; Royal National Institute for the Blind, www.rnib.org.uk, 0303 123 9999.

Obama Election Called End of 'Sad Chapter' for Science

2009-01-28T10:26:00.000-08:00

(BioWorld Today Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Q&A: Robert Lanza

With the recent swearing in of new President Barack Obama there is much anticipation that the U.S. government will be more supportive of embryonic stem cell (ESC) research. In our first BioWorld Q&A feature, we spoke with Robert Lanza, chief scientific officer of Advanced Cell Technology and chief scientific advisor for Worcester, Mass.-based International Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine International, a recently formed joint venture between ACT and CHA Biotech.

BioWorld: Why was this joint venture created?

Lanza: It will initially develop human blood cells and other clinical therapies based on ACTC's proprietary hemangioblast cell technology. It holds the exclusive license to all of ACT's hemangioblast technology. It is anticipated that this technology may some day help address the critical care shortage of blood for emergency situations, including military needs. The technology also has been shown to repair vascular damage in animals after heart attacks, limb ischemia and diabetes.

BioWorld: What are the major issues facing stem cell researchers today?

Lanza: One of the major issues is the problem of tissue rejection. To date, there is no way to transplant replacement cells derived from ESCs into a patient without powerful immunosuppressive drugs, which of course, are associated with cancer, infection and a long list of other serious side effects. In fact, the need for systemic immunosuppression could make the treatment worse than the disease. This is why we are focusing on "universal" blood, platelets and diseases that involve immune-privileged sites, such as the eye. Another major problem: You need to have a source of cells that is readily available, safe and that can be generated on a large scale. Unfortunately, it turns out that only a few replacement cell types can - at least at present - be reliably generated from hESCs. Assessment of safety and efficacy also are critical before hESC therapies can move into the clinic.

BioWorld: With restrictions on federal funding under President Bush, many researchers headed overseas and there was concern that the U.S. was losing talent and momentum. Do you see this changing under President Obama?

Lanza: Yes, all of this will change under President Obama. His inauguration marks the end of a sad chapter in American scientific history - where laws were passed that actually criminalized scientific research. As you know, the Bush administration has had an adversarial relationship with the scientific community (bordering on being antiscience). The new U.S. leadership (both the White House and Congress) will hopefully now listen to advice from the medical and scientific community (rather than taking sides in religious debates). The black cloud that has hovered over stem cell research in the United States has finally been lifted. We have been operating for the last decade with one hand tied behind our back. Under the new Obama administration, money will hopefully flow to all promising avenues of research based on scientific merit (and not skewed to fit a conservative Christian agenda). This extends not only to NIH and SBIR grants, but to NIST and even to DARPA grants. The impact on the private sector is equally critical. The day after Obama was elected, investors started to come out of the woodwork. For instance, we were on the verge of bankruptcy, and did an about-face as soon as Obama was elected.

BioWorld: How far away are we from having meaningful therapies for patients?

Lanza: As far as ESCs, there are really only two companies on the verge of clinical trials - ACT and Geron. We've already had our official Pre-IND meeting with the FDA. They seemed happy with our data and clinical plans. We hope to file an IND to begin clinical trials to prevent blindness by summer. We still have a few studies to complete, but everything looks great so far. Of course, the field desperately needs a big clinical success. We have developed a technology to treat degenerative eye diseases such as macular degeneration. We have demonstrated that these hESC-derived cells can rescue visual function in animals that otherwise would have gone blind.

BioWorld: Last week, Geron became the first company to get FDA approval to begin a Phase I trial of an ESC product, GRNOPC1, to treat patients with spinal cord injury. (See BioWorld Today, Jan. 26, 2009.) Is this a clear sign of things to come for the field?

Lanza: This is a huge advance for the entire field - my hat is off to them. This is what we've all been waiting for. It has been over a decade since ESCs were first discovered. This sends a message that we're ready at last to start helping people. Again, we are planning to file an IND with the FDA to begin clinical trials to prevent blindness this summer. Sometimes, it's the second mouse that gets the cheese. Now that the FDA is comfortable with the safety of ESC therapies, all eyes will be looking for results. That is, can you really treat or cure a disease? Of course, it's extremely important that Geron does well in this trial. It could be a disaster if something goes wrong. Remember what happened with gene therapy. They shut everyone down.

BioWorld: What sort of advantage does your technology offer?

Lanza: In addition to generating "universal" blood, there are also advantages of using retinal cells to treat blindness and eye disease. We have been able to consistently and reliably generate retinal cells - known as "retinal pigment epithelium" (or RPE) - from every hESC line we have studied. These cells have been extensively characterized and have all the markers and behavior of normal retinal cells. The retinal pigment epithelium is an important eye tissue, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal degenerative diseases. In the RCS rat, improvement in visual performance was 100 percent over untreated controls without any apparent adverse effects. In untreated animals, the layer of cells the animals see with was only one layer deep after 100 days. However, in the treated animals, the cells were five-to-seven cells deep! Of course, control sham-treated eyes showed no improvement.

BioWorld Q&A is a periodic feature that profiles industry leaders and particular companies, or serves as a sounding board for a variety of issues. If you have suggestions for a particular subject, send your emails to newsdesk@bioworld.com.

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate): The Flavor Enhancing Excitotoxin Linked to Obesity, Brain Damage and other Diseases

2009-01-24T15:47:00.001-08:00

Friday, January 23 2009 - by SoundHealth

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular food additive found in many commercially prepared and packaged foods. Numerous studies have linked it to obesity, brain damage, macular degeneration and liver damage, yet it is still found in many of the foods we eat.

MSG Is Linked to Obesity

Recent research has shown that monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes weight gain and obesity in lab animals, and that it can have the same effect in humans.

The research was reported in the journal obesity, and found that the food additive damaged the appetite regulation center in the hypothalamus (an area of the brain), causing leptin resistance. Leptin is a protein hormone that regulates energy intake and energy expenditure, including appetite and metabolism.

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study in China, and participants were told to add quantified amounts of MSG when preparing their foods. After adjusting for confounders including physical activity and total energy intake, the researchers found that MSG consumption was positively related to increases in body mass index.

"Animal studies indicate that monosodium glutamate (MSG) can induce hypothalamic lesions and leptin resistance, possibly influencing energy balance, leading to overweight. This study examines the association between MSG intake and overweight in humans. ... With adjustment for potential confounders including physical activity and total energy intake, MSG intake was positively related to BMI. Prevalence of overweight was significantly higher in MSG users than nonusers.

This research provides data that MSG intake may be associated with increased risk of overweight independent of physical activity and total energy intake in humans."

He K et al 2008 Association of monosodium glutamate Intake With Overweight in Chinese Adults: The INTERMAP Study obesity 16, 1875 - 1880

MSG Can Cause brain Damage

MSG is considered a neurotoxin, and many studies have linked this food additive to brain damage in animals. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate, and glutamate is one of the more commonly known excitotoxins (another one is aspartame). Glutamate is a normal neurotransmitter in the brain, but only exists in the extracellular (outside the cell) fluid of the brain in very, very small concentrations. When the concentration of this transmitter rises, the neurons begin to fire abnormally, and the cells undergo this specialized process of delayed cell death, excitotoxicity. Studies have shown that these effects are subtle and develop over a long period of time, although some people have a greater sensitivity and can develop more severe symptoms of excitotoxicity. The many studies that provide the evidence for this are given below in the references.

MSG and Macular Degeneration

Studies show that MSG can cause macular degeneration (retinal degeneration). In a 2002 study, researchers found that when MSG was fed to laboratory animals for 3 months and 6 months, observable retinal damage was seen.

"The present study suggests that a diet with excess sodium glutamate over a period of several years may increase glutamate concentrations in vitreous and may cause retinal cell destruction."

Ohguro H et al A high dietary intake of sodium glutamate as flavoring (Ajinomoto) causes gross changes in retinal morphology and function. Experimental Eye Research 75:(3), 2002.

MSG Promotes Liver inflammation and Dysplasia

In a 2008 study reported in the Journal of Autoimmunity, researchers reported that injecting MSG in mice lead to significant liver inflammation along with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers looked at the long-term consequences of MSG on inflammation, by analyzing MSG injected mice and focusing in particular on liver pathology.

They found that by the age of 6 and 12 months, all MSG treated mice developed liver inflammation and structural abnormal change (dysplasia), and lesions were detected in some cases.

"We submit that MSG treatment of mice induces obesity and diabetes with steatosis and steatohepatitis resembling human NAFLD and NASH with pre-neoplastic lesions. These results take on considerable significance in light of the widespread usage of dietary MSG and we suggest that MSG should have its safety profile re-examined and be potentially withdrawn from the food chain."

Nakanishi Y et al 2008 Monosodium glutamate (MSG): A villain and promoter of liver inflammation and dysplasia Journal of Autoimmunity Vol 30, 1-2, P 42-50

MSG is a Widely-used Flavor Enhancer

A lot of canned, processed and pre-packed food and fast food contains MSG, but it is frequently listed under various names on the food label. Some of the many names used are: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed yeast extract, autolyzed yeast extract, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured whey protein, and textured soy protein. Even the terms spice and natural flavor can indicate the presence of MSG.

The best way avoid MSG is by buying whole foods and preparing them at home. The next best thing is to read the labels and know the various disguises under which MSG is known, and avoid these foods.

References

* Nakayama D et al 2003 Turnover of Acinar and Islet Cells in the Pancreas of Monosodium Glutamate-Treated Obese Mice obesity Research 11, 87 94.

* Olney, J.W. Brain lesions, obesity, and other disturbances in mice treated with monosodium glutamate. Science 164: 719-721, 1969.

* Snapir, N., Robinzon, B., and Perek, M. Brain damage in the male domestic fowl treated with monosodium glutamate. Poult Sci 50: 1511-1514, 1971.

* Arees, E.A., and Mayer, J. Monosodium glutamate-induced brain lesions: electron microscopic examination. Science 170: 549-550, 1970.

* Arees, E.A., and Mayer, J. Monosodium glutamate-induced brain lesions in mice. Presented at the 47th Annual Meeting of American Association of Neuropathologists, Puerto Rico, June 25-27, 1971. J Neuropath Exp Neurol 31: 181, 1972.

* Everly, J.L. Light microscopy examination of monosodium glutamate induced lesions in the brain of fetal and neonatal rats. Anat Rec 169: 312, 1971.

* Olney, J.W. Sharpe, L.G., Feigin, R.D. Glutamate-induced brain damage in infant primates. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 31: 464-488, 1972.

* Lemkey-Johnston, N., and Reynolds, W.A. Incidence and extent of brain lesions in mice following ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Anat Rec 172: 354, 1972.

Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research Releases New White Paper, 'Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research'

2009-01-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

- National Poll Reveals Three-Quarters of Americans Want President-Elect Obama to Deliver on Campaign Commitment to Lift Restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell Research -

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) today released a white paper, Catalyst For Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research, which outlines the views of nine of the nation's leading scientists on the promises and challenges of embryonic stem cell research. In support for the scientific community's call for reversal of the current restrictions on funding for stem cell research, the group also released the results of a national poll conducted this month for CAMR by Opinion Research Corporation indicating that nearly three-quarters (73%) of Americans believe that President-elect Obama should keep his pledge to lift existing federal restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the announcements by James Thomson and John Gearhart that each had successfully grown the first human pluripotent stem cell lines in culture, the White Paper proclaims that "with the knowledge gained in the past decade, stem cell research is more promising than ever."

Despite limited funding, scientists have made great strides in using these primary cells to understand what goes wrong in disease and have begun devising promising new therapies for devastating conditions, such as heart disease, spinal cord injury, and diabetes. Conversations with some of the nation's top stem cell researchers -- in academia and industry -- make clear that, with removal of limits on Federal funding, embryonic stem cell research will fulfill its promise in broader ways than originally anticipated.

"It's time for the federal government to support the broad range of stem cell research so that the greatest public benefit can be achieved on the shoulders of the last 10 years' accomplishments," said Amy Comstock Rick, president of CAMR. "We are hopeful that President-elect Obama will deliver on his campaign commitment to lift the current restrictions, and allow scientists to deliver on the promise of embryonic stem cell research."

Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research shares experts' viewpoints and assessments of embryonic stem cell research to date, and takes a bold look at where this research might lead in the coming years. Some highlights include:

"I'd be very surprised if, during the course of my scientific career, the next 20 years, we don't have much better therapies for Parkinson's disease, based on the fact that we have these hESC-derived tissues in culture," says James Thomson.

Many scientists have been studying adult stem cells and learning more about their utility and their limitations. So far, adult stem cells have only successfully been used in a very narrow area: blood system reconstitution, including bone marrow transplant, umbilical cord transplant, and peripheral blood transplant. "The argument that there are 60 to 70 diseases that can be cured with adult stem cells was never credible," says Sean Morrison, University of Michigan.

Biotech firms are revving up, focused on toxicity screening and drug development. A few are aggressively pursuing hES cell-based therapies. Big Pharma is also beginning to invest in stem cells. "Embryonic stem cells are a source of cells for predictive toxicology and drug discovery," says consultant and former Novocell executive Melissa Carpenter.

The Paper concludes that, "scientists see great promise in efforts to improve therapies for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, cancer, spinal cord injuries, and heart disease. The time for removal of restrictions, expanded support, and implementation of relevant oversight guidelines is now."

The full text of Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research is available on the CAMR web site at www.camradvocacy.com.

The following researchers and thought leaders contributed to this white paper:

Melissa K. Carpenter, Ph.D., former Vice President of Research and Development at Novocell Inc., and Director of Stem Cell Biology at Geron Corporation; George Daley, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School; Kevin C. Eggan, Ph.D., Principal Faculty, Harvard Stem Cell Institute; John P. Gearhart, M.D., Director, Institute for Regenerative Medicine at University of Pennsylvania; Ole Isacson, Dr.Med.Sci., Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School; Hans Keirstead, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Anatomy and Neurobiology at University of California, Irvine; Douglas A. Melton, Ph.D., Co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute; Sean J. Morrison, Ph.D., Director, University of Michigan Center for Stem Cell Biology; and James Thomson, V.M.D., Ph.D., Director of Regenerative Biology at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

About the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research

The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) -- the leading pro-cures coalition -- is comprised of nationally recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine -- including stem cell research -- to cure disease and alleviate suffering. For more information on CAMR, visit www.camradvocacy.org.
Website: http://www.camradvocacy.com//

Stem Cells Poised to Grow Organs for Transplant

2009-01-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

Zannos Grekos, MD Presents Clinical Data of Research with Adult Stem Cells to Physicians at International Regenerative Biomedicine Conference

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Dec 22, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- At the 16th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies in Las Vegas, Zannos Grekos, MD, director of Cardiac and Vascular Disease for Regenocyte Therapeutic ( www.regenocyte.com), addressed physicians from around the world with a presentation on patients treated with pre-engineered Adult Stem Cells. In the presentation, Grekos showed the successful engraftment of stem cells into damaged organs and subsequent regeneration of tissue. The clinical success has spurred a project entailing growing organs for transplant from patients' own stem cells using technology developed by National Aeronautic Space Association (NASA). In describing details of the stem cells project Grekos stated, "This is the logical next step in harnessing the regenerative power of stem cells. This will be the next phase in turning science into medicine."
The presentation also cited stem cells treatment results at one month through one year follow up. The Regenocyte team of international scientists and physicians have been treating cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, and kidney diseases, with plans next year to accept patients suffering from macular degeneration and neurological diseases.
Athina Kyritsis, MD, chair of Regenocyte's Medical Advisory Committee, explains "the findings presented today are based on several years of Regenocyte's clinical experience using Autologous Adult Stem Cell Therapy. I believe we have only begun to discover what Adult Stem Cells can accomplish in altering the course of diseases currently believed to be untreatable with not only improved clinical results, but also a financial savings to society."
Dr. Grekos also highlighted several case studies to illustrate his team's success with Adult Stem Cells. According to their findings, cardiac disease patients experience an average increase of 21% in ejection rates as well as measurable improvements in congestive heart failure class status, some in as little as one month post-treatment. "We are able to bring patients from a Class IV congestive heart failure status to a Class II status in less than 180 days," said Grekos. Regenocyte Therapeutic's clinical data from PET scans confirm that Adult Stem Cells have the ability to engraft themselves into areas damaged by myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and turn into viable new heart muscle. "Three months after treatment, cardiac nuclear scans of the areas treated reveal reversal of damage. We have been able to take patients off the transplant list, and we have been doing it consistently."
Most recently, physicians at the Dominican Republic division of Regenocyte announced clinical results of a 46-year-old patient with pulmonary hypertension who was treated with Adult Stem Cells. His pulmonary artery mean pressure went from 41mmHg (severe pulmonary hypertension) to 24 mmHg (normal) in six months. The patient's saturations are now consistently high and he no longer needs to be supplemented with oxygen continuously or considered for a lung transplant. Another patient was successfully treated for cardiac sequelae of Fabry's Disease, and is also no longer considered for heart transplant.
Hector Rosario, MD, chief of Interventional Cardiology for the Dominican Republic division of Regenocyte, is thrilled with the clinical outcomes to date. "It is personally very gratifying to alter the prognosis in patients who have exhausted all other options," Rosario says. Leonel Francisco Liriano, MD, professor of medicine at Pontifical Catholic University School of Medicine and medical director of the Regenocyte Dominican Republic division added that "patient safety is always paramount. We're achieving these results with a treatment that poses minimal risk, much lower than traditional surgical procedures."
Regenocyte Therapeutic is currently using Adult Stem Cells Therapy to treat Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, Peripheral Artery Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Kidney Disease, Ischemic Heart Disease, Pulmonary diseases (COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Hypertension) and Early Senile Dementia. Patients can call 866-216-5710 or visit www.regenocyte.com for information or consultation.
SOURCE: Regenocyte Therapeutic LLC Regenocyte Therapeutic

Regenocyte Therapeutic, Las Vegas
Beth S. Kalvin, Director of Communications and
Education, 239-495-2252, Ext.306
bkalvin@regenocyte.com

Business Wire 2008 End of Story

Electronic Magnifier

2009-01-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

An electronic magnifier can be a very helpful and yes, expensive, tool to help you adjust to your loss of vision.

As your macular degeneration progresses, the right magnifiers can make a world of difference.

You will hear me say this over and over, but you will need different magnifiers for different tasks.

So before you purchase a magnifier, identify what task you will be using it for.

The cost of these magnifiers can range from $200 to over $1000.

If it serves the purpose you are buying it for, it will be well worth it... but if it doesn't then it is money wasted.

Consider meeting with a low vision rehab specialist before you purchase the more expensive magnifiers. They can assess your needs and then make recommendations for the best magnifiers for you.

If you must make your own best decisions, then purchase a magnifier that has a good return policy so that you can try it at home and see how it works for you.

Portable and Hand Held Magnifier
The small hand held electronic magnifiers are great to take with you shopping, traveling, or out to dinner. Some of their best features are:

* Pocket size - Small and lightweight. Fits in a pocket or purse

* Portable - No matter where you go and what you do, you can confidently see the details that matter to you

Compact Electronic Magnifier

Compact Electronic Magnifier

Introducing a portable magnifier that is so small you can keep it in your pocket or purse or wear it around your neck. Our Guarantee:

Try our products for 90 days. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied, we will gladly exchange your purchase or refund your money -- No questions asked.

* Offers zoom magnification from 5X to 20X on up to a 4" full-color screen

* Adjustable screen with up to 4 levels of LED brightness

* Displays images in true color, black-and-white, blue-and-yellow, black-and-yellow, and reverse for easier reading

* Dual view setting allows you to compare a normal view with a magnified view, so that you can maintain a sense of scale

* Capture images in the camera mode to photograph a product label or a phone number for a quick and easy reminder

* Great for reading menus in restaurants and examining labels in the grocery store, reading your receipts or looking at photographs

* Connects to your PC to display magnified images or upload photographs

* Simple, intuitive controls make these magnifiers easy to use

* Include rechargeable batteries, charger, USB cable, and a lanyard

* Price range is around $200 - $600

Software
Electronic magnifying software helps those with macular degeneration and low vision, read small print by displaying a magnified image on any desktop or laptop PC.

Utilizing your computer's USB port, a full color image with adjustable magnification is displayed on your computer screen. After installing the software driver onto your computer, whatever you move the special mouse over will appear magnified on your screen.

This software is great for reading schoolwork, office work, magazines, books, documents, and bills.

Can be used on a desktop or laptop computer.

Requires Windows XP or Windows Vista.

Magnifies an area of 2.5" x 2".

Price range is $300 to $600.

The MonoMouse-USB Electronic Magnifier helps those with macular degeneration and impaired vision read small print by displaying a high-quality magnified image on any desktop or laptop PC. It is great for reading schoolwork, office work, magazines, books, documents, bills, and much more. Whatever you move the MonoMouse over will appear magnified on your screen, and you can resize it to fit your individual needs. Requires Windows XP or Windows Vista

Closed Circuit TV Magnifier
Another form of electronic magnification is through a closed circuit television (CCTV). A CCTV magnifier is for people that need text and photos magnified. It uses a small TV camera in a hand-held "mouse" and incorporates a zoom lens which allows the level of magnification to be adjusted.

The magnified image is displayed on a standard television in full color or enhanced black and white. The mouse has rollers which facilitate easy scanning of text, and its mobility allows difficult-to-read items such as medicine bottles, cooking instructions, etc., to be magnified easily.

ColorMouse - RM Electronic Magnifier - High (24x Magnification on a 20" Screen)

The ColorMouse-RM Electronic Magnifier helps those with macular degeneration read small print by turning any standard television into a low vision aid with magnification of up to 24x. The ColorMouse-RM Electronic Magnifier is perfect for reading newspapers, magazines, books, prescription bottles, instructions, bills and much more.

Simply plug the ColorMouse -RM into the video input of any standard television, connect the power, and press the blue button on the handheld magnifier. The ColorMouse-RM Electronic Magnifier will project a high quality, image on the screen, allowing you to once again read hard-to-see small print.

Low version magnifies up to 13x on a 20" TV

High version magnifies up to 24x on a 20" TV