Researchers find genetic link to dry AMD.

Interesting: Viral etiology and genetic factors influencing protection from Dry AMD. - Dr. Martinelli, Jr.

In continuing coverage from the Aug. 28 edition of First Look, the San Diego Union-Tribune (8/28, Clark) reported that researchers have "found the first genetic link to dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common form of progressive blindness," according to a study published in the Aug. 28 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. Kang Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., of the Shiley Eye Center at the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine, and colleagues, discovered "a genetic variant in about 66 percent of the population that appears to protect people from certain kinds of viral damage, a leading suspect in the development of the eye disease. People who lack this variant are not protected, and thus" are "more vulnerable to dry" AMD.

"People with two copies of the so-called T allele of the TLR3 gene had a significantly reduced likelihood for having dry age-related macular degeneration," MedPage Today (8/28, Gever) added. By genotyping "a total of 2,684 people in four series, including 687 with dry AMD, 760 with wet age-related macular degeneration, 152 with soft and confluent drusen, and 1,085 normal controls," and by performing "in vitro lab experiments" involving "dosing human and mouse retinal cells with RNA strands known to activate functional TLR3," the investigators "identified two clinical implications for the" study's "findings. One is that inhibitors of TLR3 activity could slow or halt progression of dry age-related macular degeneration." The other is that small interfering RNA sequences (siRNA), several of which "are now in clinical trials for 'wet'" AMD, "could activate retinal TLR3 in susceptible individuals to trigger dry AMD" when "introduced into the eye."

Florida Bright House cable affiliate Bay News 9 (8/28) pointed out on its website that age-related macular degeneration is "the leading cause of blindness in people older than sixty." Virginia NBC affiliate WSLS-TV also covered the story on its website, as did California ABC affiliate KGTV-TV (8/28) on its website.

Copyright © 2008 by U.S. News Custom Briefings | 11190 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 130 | Reston, VA 20191

Column explains causes of, treatment for cataracts.

In the Baltimore Sun's (8/25) Ask The Expert column, Holly Selby interviewed Sheri Rowen, M.D., about cataracts, which "occur when the eye's natural lens hardens and becomes cloudy." By age 80, more than half "of all Americans have a cataract, or have been treated for cataracts with a relatively simple surgical procedure." In addition to aging, other risk factors for cataracts include "heredity, sun exposure, diet, and smoking." In addition, "diabetes, or any inflammatory disease, or [taking] steroids also can be risk factors." Cataracts are painless and often develop gradually. Symptoms include "blurred vision, inability to see reading material properly, or to see far away," as well as seeing "glare or halos at night, or even during the day." Dr. Rowen counseled patients to see a doctor when they notice they "are starting to not see properly." In a "10-minute procedure," a "surgeon will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear, plastic lens." Dr. Rowen explained that cataracts cannot be prevented, but eating "a diet filled with good antioxidants, such as leafy greens," and "wearing sunglasses" are good for general eye health.

Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may help protect against cataracts, AMD, researchers say. The Miami Herald (8/25) reported that according to Harvard Medical School's Healthbeat newsletter, "Carrots, which contain vitamin A, are one of several vegetables that are good for the eyes." Even better are "fresh fruits and dark green leafy vegetables, which contain more antioxidant vitamins, such as C and E," that "may help protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)."

Copyright © 2008 by U.S. News Custom Briefings | 11190 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 130 | Reston, VA 20191

Regular eye exams may help detect early warning signs of disease.

The North American Press Syndicate (8/17) reported that "[r]egular eye exams are not just about obtaining optimal vision through the right eyeglass or contact prescription, but can also help detect early warning signs of disease that can affect your eye health and general health." And, because "an eye examination can help detect many health problems, eye-care practitioners often work in conjunction with internists and general practitioners to help empower individuals on their health and wellness journey." Many eye doctors now "offer new technology, such as digital retinal eye scans, that are quick and comfortable, and produce a computerized picture of blood vessels in action. This new technology effectively provides information on eye health and certain systemic health conditions, such as diabetes and glaucoma." For good eye health, patients are urged to "[b]egin a regular routine of eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist once a year, or as often as the doctor recommends."

Copyright © 2008 by U.S. News Custom Briefings | 11190 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 130 | Reston, VA 20191