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Cure Research for Age-related macular degeneration

Treatments for Age-related macular degeneration

Treatments to consider for Age-related macular degeneration may include:

Medical Research Breakthroughs and Age-related macular degeneration

Lower Risk of Macular Degeneration In Postmenopausal women on Hormones: According to a recent study conducted researchers found that there is an association between women who take postmenopausal hormones and the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. It was noted that especially for women who had taken oral contraceptives; postmenopausal hormones reduced the risk of progression to advanced stages of the eye disease. Among older adults, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the chief cause of blindness and loss of vision. Genetics plays a key role in susceptibility to AMD but environmental factors, such as smoking, are also important. There was evidence of higher rates of AMD in women than in men and also the discovery of links between AMD and cardiovascular disease suggested the involvement of estrogens in development of the disease. It was found that current postmenopausal hormone users had a 48 percent lower risk of neovascular AMD compared with those who had never used postmenopausal hormones, the risk did not decline with longer durations of use. The risk was lowest for postmenopausal hormone users who had used oral contraceptives in the past. However, oral contraceptive use was not linked to early AMD risk, but current postmenopausal hormone users were 34% more likely to develop early stage AMD than non-users, hence a higher risk of early AMD was seen among postmenopausal hormone. In addition, researchers found a 26% lower risk of early AMD among women who had given birth. Altogether, these findings suggest a role for estrogen in the pathogenesis of AMD that requires further research in specific early and late signs of disease.

Cure Research discussion for Age-related macular degeneration:

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Status of Research: NEI (Excerpt)

Researchers are exploring and developing treatment strategies, such as gene replacement, anti-angiogenesis factors, and pharmacological agents, to correct or delay the progression of the vision loss associated with AMD. (Source: excerpt from Age-Related Macular Degeneration Status of Research: NEI)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Status of Research: NEI (Excerpt)

Groups of NEI-supported scientists have successfully transplanted healthy retinal pigment and photoreceptor cells into diseased retinas of laboratory animals. In addition to the above, the NEI recognizes that age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of severe visual impairment in the United States, and the Institute is supporting research on low vision aids, devices, and other strategies for those who suffer from visual impairment. The NEI is also developing a new, low vision public education program as part of its National Eye Health Education Program. This new program will inform people about available low vision aids and services that can help them with their daily activities, such as reading, sewing, and driving, to improve their quality of life. (Source: excerpt from Age-Related Macular Degeneration Status of Research: NEI)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Status of Research: NEI (Excerpt)

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study also includes clinical trials that will help determine the effects of certain vitamins and minerals in preventing or slowing the progress of AMD. In particular, researchers are closely examining whether vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and/or zinc can provide the macula with greater protection, thereby preventing or slowing progression of the disease. If dietary supplements prove effective, it would have a huge impact on AMD treatment and reduce the need for low vision services and devices for older Americans. It should be noted that on occasion, seemingly benign nutrients such as vitamins and minerals can be harmful when taken inappropriately, especially vitamins that accumulate in body fat. When the Age-Related Eye Disease Study is completed within the next five years, we will know whether any of these vitamin and mineral combinations are both effective and safe therapy for macular degeneration. (Source: excerpt from Age-Related Macular Degeneration Status of Research: NEI)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Status of Research: NEI (Excerpt)

Replacing diseased retinal cells with healthy ones is a promising area of research. NEI scientists are determining whether retinal cell transplants are useful to treat the retinal degeneration caused by AMD. Groups of NEI-supported scientists have successfully transplanted healthy retinal pigment and photoreceptor cells into diseased retinas of laboratory animals. (Source: excerpt from Age-Related Macular Degeneration Status of Research: NEI)

Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration: NEI (Excerpt)

Findings from the NEI-sponsored Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduces the risk of advanced age- related macular degeneration (AMD) by about 25 percent. (Source: excerpt from Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration: NEI)

Medical research for Age-related macular degeneration: medical news summaries:

The following medical news items are relevant to medical research for Age-related macular degeneration:

Age-related macular degeneration Treatment: Book Excerpts

Clinical Trials for Age-related macular degeneration

Some of the clinical trials for Age-related macular degeneration include:

Evidence Based Medicine Research for Age-related macular degeneration

Medical research papers related to Age-related macular degeneration include:

Click here to find more evidence-based articles on the TRIP Database


 » Next page: Statistics about Age-related macular degeneration

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