New therapeutic approach to treating Age-related Macular Degeneration

Scientists have found that inhibition of Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), which has been linked to retinal neovascularization and the development of abnormal blood vessels resulting in vision loss, presents a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Their results are reported in The American Journal of Pathology.

Metformin may help in reducing the risk for Macular Degeneration

In a large case-control study using a national database of patients, metformin use was associated with reduced odds of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This association was dose dependent, with the greatest benefit at low to moderate doses. When looking only at patients with diabetes, the authors note preservation of the dose-dependent decrease in the odds of patients developing AMD. Metformin does not appear to be protective in patients with diabetes and coexisting diabetic retinopathy. This study suggests that metformin may be useful as a preventive therapy for AMD and provides the basis for potential prospective clinical trials.

A commonly used anti-VEGF may not be as effective in treating diabetic macular edema in black patients

(c) peimag.com

A new study indicates a medication frequently used to treat diabetic macular edema, the most common cause of blindness in people with diabetes, is less effective when used to treat the condition in Black patients. 

Artificial Intelligence to predict heart disease via the eyes

(c) iaidl.org

An international collaboration of researchers has developed an autonomous artificial intelligence that is able to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients through the blood vessels of the retina. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Biological Engineering.

Study reveals significant restoration of retinal and visual function following Gene Therapy

(c) Nature Biomedical Engg

A breakthrough study, led by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, has demonstrated restoration of retinal and visual functions of mice models suffering from inherited retinal disease.

Published today in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the paper, titled, “Restoration of visual function in adult mice with an inherited retinal disease via adenine base editing,” illustrates the use of a new generation CRISPR technology and lays the foundation for the development of a new therapeutic modality for a wide range of inherited ocular diseases caused by different gene mutations.

World's first transplant of iPS visual cells for retinal disease

(c) Kyodo News

The world's first clinical trial of a transplant of visual cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, to treat a patient with pigmentary retinal degeneration was performed without any complications in Japan.

Is there any evidence of energy drinks causing retinal damage and visual impairment?

(c) Ophthalmology Management

In a recent presentation at the virtual EURETINA meeting, a study from Turkey suggests consumption of energy drinks may lead to acute, reversible changes in retinal vascular density parameters.