Patients to get sight-saving drug Aug 27, 2008
Lucentis treats age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of sight loss in the country ... Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) comes in two forms - wet and dry - with the dry form being much more common. (BBC News)
Woman 'denied sight drugs' Aug 27, 2008
Margaret Coates, 79, from Bromley, south-east London, has wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can lead to blindness in both eyes. Her local Primary Care Trust (PCT) will not pay for a drug called Lucentis, Mrs Coates said. (BBC News -- UK)
Pensioners win sight drug battle Aug 27, 2008
The RNIB said there was now no excuse for the NHS in England to restrict access to the drug, which treats age-related macular degeneration. For other PCTs currently denying sight-saving treatment to patients in their care, our message is clear - change your policy now. (BBC News -- UK)
Lifeline: Joan Armstrong, 82, has been refused funding for the ... Aug 27, 2008
Wet age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness. But previously, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence suggested that the drug Lucentis should only be given to those already blind in one eye. (Daily Mail)
Going eye tech Aug 26, 2008
Miller has a retinal scanner at his High Country Optical practice which, in addition to flagging vision-threatening abnormalities such as ocular cysts, retinal tears or macular degeneration, can detect possible high blood pressure, a dangerous level of cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis or cancer. Each abnormality evidences itself in a different way on the retina. (Durango Herald)
Keepers of the Crops Aug 24, 2008
Gudgel flew his final flights over cropland this spring, forced to give up the controls after 54 years because of macular degeneration in his left eye. But even as the industry shrinks around him -- and the romanticized notion of pilots as barnstormers goes the way of canvas-covered biplanes -- Gudgel has no plans to shut down his operation, Gudgel's Aero-Ag in Chowchilla. (Fresno Bee)
Coatings To Help Medical Implants Connect With Neurons Aug 23, 2008
22, 2008) Plastic coatings could someday help neural implants treat conditions as diverse as Parkinson's disease and macular degeneration ... The first is being used in experimental treatments for macular degeneration, while the second holds promise for suppressing tremors in people who have Parkinson's disease ... Macular degeneration, a condition that occurs in the retina and most affects an individuals' ability to drive and read, is being better diagnosed by. (Science Daily)
Retinal screenings offered in Cornell Aug 22, 2008
Marshfield Clinic will use its mobile TeleHealth services to provide free screenings for a pair of eye diseases that can be devastating if left untreated diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Screenings will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Marshfield Clinic Cornell Center, 600 Woodside Dr., Cornell. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Brain structure examined in mood disorder research Aug 21, 2008
It is also of interest to researchers looking for treatments for macular degeneration, which involves uncontrolled growth of vessels over the retina. A variety of growth factors may affect the parts of the brain that underlie the symptoms in mood and other neuropsychiatric disorders, she said. (New Haven Register, CT)
Esther A. Crawley Aug 21, 2008
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734. Friends may share condolences online at. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Setting new sights Aug 20, 2008
The center used to focus on eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma and served an aging population of veterans ... Most patients have macular degeneration, glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa ... Ron Caravello, 75, a retired New York City police officer and Korean War veteran in the Air Force, lost sight in his left eye 12 years ago to macular degeneration. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
You've Got To Have Hope: Studies Show 'Hope Therapy' Fights Depression Aug 20, 2008
In this study, Cheavens and Dreer examined 97 adults, most over age 60, who had been diagnosed with macular degeneration or other conditions that would cause them to lose their sight. The researchers looked at measures of hope and depression in these people with low vision, along with their caregivers. (Science Daily)
Block that blue light Aug 20, 2008
Luteins role in protecting the eyes from age-related macular degeneration begins at birth ... This is known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and affects those aged 60 and above ... This is why people with fair skin or light-coloured eyes are more susceptible to macular degeneration caused by blue light, as they have less melanin in their irises to protect the macula. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Affitech and Omeros Enter Into Antibody Discovery and Development Agreement Aug 19, 2008
MASP-2, or mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2, mediates activation of the complement system via the lectin pathway and is linked to multiple potential indications across a wide range of inflammatory diseases including macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, transplant rejection and cardiovascular and renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. "This agreement marks an important milestone in our MASP-2 program, and ensures that Omeros can access high-affinity, fully human antibodies... (PR Newswire)
Lions Eye Institute sees research in its future Aug 18, 2008
The fear of going blind is the second-biggest health concern of Americans, according to a survey, and eye diseases that cause blindness such as macular degeneration and glaucoma are increasing in prevalence as the population ages, Epstein said. The bulk of the eye research in the United States is done at academic medical institutions and funded by the s National Eye Institute. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Nonprofit strives to find jobs for blind, visually impaired Aug 18, 2008
Jim Poulin/Phoenix Business Journal Dan Martinez is legally blind because of a form of macular degeneration. He says new technologies have made a tremendous difference in the employment of the visually impaired. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Reports: DeGeneres and de Rossi wed in Calif. Aug 17, 2008
We've Selected The Top 5 Sites for macular degeneration gifts. Try Here. (Yahoo News)
Senior notes Aug 15, 2008
Living with macular degeneration. Adaptive Technology/Perkins Products hosts a free hands-on seminar, Living Well with Age-related Macular Degeneration, at Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
Fifty years of music and memories Aug 15, 2008
Calling it quits In December of 1996, Jerry was diagnosed with dry eye, age-related macular degeneration ... "The macular degeneration may be a slow process," Jerry explained. (Mid Iowa Enterprise, IA)
Health clinic operator lifts lid on roving Eyemobile Aug 14, 2008
The medical van is about the size of a bus, so it is packed with other equipment to test patients for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetes-related eye problems. The clinic accepts Medi-Cal, Medicare, Healthy Families and commercial insurances. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Regular intake of fish keeps eyes and heart healthy Aug 14, 2008
The problem of AMD is categorised as wet and dry amongst which Wet macular degeneration leads to blindness in older people. Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids which prevents wet macular dengeneration. (News Line 365)
Coping With Vision Loss Aug 13, 2008
Last Update: 8:11 am. To Email is Required. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Levels Of C-reactive Protein In The Blood Do Not Cause Diabetes Aug 13, 2008
10, 2007) High blood levels of C-reactive protein, a substance linked to inflammation, appear to be associated with an increased risk for age-related macular degeneration, according to a new. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Some Obese Individuals Appear 'Metabolically Healthy,' Without Increased Cardiovascular Risk Aug 13, 2008
9, 2007) The interplay between genetic predisposition and exposure to modifiable risk factors can multiply the risk for age-related macular degeneration, according to a report in the January issue of Archives. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Eat Oily Fish At Least Once A Week To Protect Your Eyesight In Old Age Aug 12, 2008
11, 2008) Eating oily fish once a week may reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the major cause of blindness and poor vision in adults in western countries and the third cause of global blindness, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition August 8, 2008 ... 3, 2006) Passive smoking almost doubles the risk of the progressively degenerative eye disease, age related macular degeneration, shows research in the British Journal of Ophthalmology ...... (Science Daily)
Eye health is important! Aug 12, 2008
As adults age the eyes are more susceptible to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD); a progressive eye disease which attacks the macula of the eye where sharpest vision occurs. A healthy lifestyle, no smoking, a healthy diet and protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays are recommended preventative methods to minimise the risk of AMD.. (iAfrica.com)
Consuming Oily Fish May Protect Eyesight in the Elderly Aug 11, 2008
According to the National Eye Institute, age-related macular degeneration is of two types, wet AMD and dry AMD. The dry form is more common and can progress to wet AMD later on ... Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people aged over 55 in the United States ... Age-related macular degeneration usually affects elderly people. (News Locale)
Frost group to make $15M investment in Opko Aug 9, 2008
The proceeds will be used to fund research and development efforts, including the ongoing clinical trials for Bevasiranib, which is used in the treatment of wet macular degeneration, and for general working capital. The closing is set to occur 20 days after the mailing of an information statement to stockholders on or around Sept. 10. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Eat oily fish weekly to protect eyesight Aug 9, 2008
WASHINGTON: Eating oily fish once a week may reduce age-related macular degeneration which is the major cause of blindness and poor vision in adults in western countries and the third highest cause of global blindness, according to a study. There are two types of age-related macular dengeneration (AMD), wet and dry. (Economic Times)
"Your Eye Health" Interactive Display Launched at the Minnesota State Fair Aug 8, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--How do the major eye conditions of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration affect your eye health and vision ... This one-of-a kind display was designed to raise awareness and educate the public about four major eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration) that may compromise vision and eye health. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Group is for those with poor vision Aug 6, 2008
At the last meeting, a lighting specialist showed different types of light bulbs and fixtures that could make it easier for people suffering from macular degeneration, one of the more common vision impairments among senior citizens. The meetings are at 1 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the Bismarck Senior Center, 315 N. 20th St.. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
MHS alum sets his sites on sight: Drug helps people losing their eyesight (2) Aug 4, 2008
Dr. Robert L. Steinmetz, a 1974 Muscatine High School graduate, was one of the national researchers who tested the effectiveness of a promising new drug for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) earlier this year ... Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among older men and women ... After extensive trials with patients suffering from macular degeneration, Lucentis was approved for use by ophthalmologists in July by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Modified Salmonella Slows Tumor Growth Jul 31, 2008
3, 1999) Investigators at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that a mechanism key to immune-privilege in the eye also plays a role in age-related macular degeneration, the. . (Science Daily)
Grady's beds speak French, Russian ... Jul 31, 2008
5 million for medical equipment such as scopes that look at the lungs and machines that examine the eye for macular degeneration. Grady officials said it was important that the first major purchase go toward the care and comfort of the patients. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
DeKalb team tops in Chicago Vision Walk Jul 30, 2008
The goal of the event is to raise funds and awareness for the foundation, the leading non-government organization in the world providing money for research to find preventions, treatments and cures for all forms of retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration the leading cause of blindness in people over age 55. The event raised just under 240,000. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Your DNA's in the post Jul 29, 2008
Page last updated at 09:48 GMT, Monday, 28 July 2008 10:48 UK. Fancy being told you have a higher-than-average chance of getting prostate cancer but are at low risk of glaucoma. (BBC News -- UK)
QLT announces second quarter results for 2008 Jul 29, 2008
The drop in Visudyne sales was primarily due to the approval and reimbursement in Europe of alternative therapeutics for age-related macular degeneration. However, Visudyne's sales for the second quarter increased 11. (Canada Newswire)
Japanese Diet Rich In Fish May Hold Secret To Healthy Heart: Omega-3 Fatty Acids From Fish Appear To Prevent Clogged Arteries Jul 29, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 29, 2008) If you're fishing for ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, you might start with the seafood-rich diet typically served up in Japan. According to new research, a lifetime of eating tuna, sardines, salmon and other fish appears to protect Japanese men against clogged arteries, despite other cardiovascular risk factors. (Science Daily)
Trials for 'bionic' eye implants Jul 29, 2008
Retinal implants are able to partially restore the vision of people with particular forms of blindness caused by diseases such as macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa ... 5 million people worldwide have retinitis pigmentosa, and one in 10 people over the age of 55 have age-related macular degeneration. (Yahoo News -- Disabilities and the Disabled)
What is an Amsler Grid? Jul 28, 2008
Understanding the Eye Test for Macular Degeneration ... Understanding the Eye Test for Macular Degeneration ... The most common cause of distortion is a condition called Macular Degeneration. (Suite101.com)
XOMA Announces Departure of CFO Jul 28, 2008
XOMA's technologies and experienced team have contributed to the success of marketed antibody products, including RAPTIVA(r) (efalizumab) for chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, LUCENTIS(r) (ranibizumab injection) for wet age-related macular degeneration and CIMZIA(r) (certolizumab pegol) for Crohn's disease. The Company has a premier antibody discovery and development platform that incorporates leading antibody phage display libraries and XOMA's proprietary Human Engineering(tm) and... (Primezone Releases)
What is Cystoid Macular Edema? Jul 27, 2008
Age-related Macular Degeneration (): ARMD occurs in two forms: exudative (wet) or atrophic (dry). The exudative form, if untreated, can cause detachment of the retina overlying the macula and resultant CME.. (Suite101.com)
The Key to Keeping Your Mind and Body Young Jul 27, 2008
HGH is known to help treat hemorrhoids, autoimmune diseases, macular degeneration, cataracts, fibromyalgia, angina, chronic fatigue, diabetic-neuropathy, hepatitis C, chronic constipation, high blood pressure, sciatica, kidney dialysis, and heart and stroke recovery. As seniors and others deal with health-care coverage problems, it is important to look at what you can do for yourself to ensure your healthiness. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Scientists offer new hope for blind Jul 27, 2008
It identifies people who are genetically at risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease damages the retina and can be arrested but not reversed. (Mirror.co.uk)
Researchers develop vision test that can detect diabetes Jul 26, 2008
The test 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 Michigan's Kellogg Eye Center ... Elner said the team plans to... (USA Today -- News)
Boost To Halt Blind Disease Jul 26, 2008
Age-related macular degeneration - or AMD - affects 250,000 people in the UK. It damages the central part of the retina and leaves one in 10 sufferers blind. The test identifies those who are genetically predisposed to the condition, allowing early treatment that can prevent blindness. (Glasgow Daily Record)
Aldridge at Lions Club Jul 26, 2008
"The retina lines the back wall of the eye and macular degeneration disease goes on under it," Dr. Aldridge said in opening his comments. "In the United States, about two million people have macular degeneration. With an aging population due to people living longer, it is estimated that in five years there will be seven and a half million suffering from it." ... Dr. Aldridge said the cause of macular degeneration is really not known, but there are some theories. (Bainbridge Post Searchlight, GA)
Blindness In Old Age May Be Triggered By Hyperactive Immune Resistance Jul 25, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 25, 2008) Age-dependent macular degeneration (AMD) is the commonest cause of blindness in the western industrialised nations. Hereditary changes in the regulation of the immune system influence the risk of contracting AMD.. (Science Daily)
Telescope embedded in glasses lens promises to make driving easier for visually impaired Jul 25, 2008
Says Peli, "The short height of the actual magnifier, its position, and inclusion of a small tilt of the last flat mirror (the one closest to the user's eye), enables the wearer to simultaneously view the magnified field above the unmagnified view of the uninterrupted horizontal field. Not only will the new glasses improve the cosmetics and usefulness of this type of device, the in-the-lens design will make it possible to mass-produce the telescopic magnifier as a standard spectacle lens blank... (EurekAlert!)
Overloading zinc actually may risk prostate health Jul 23, 2008
For men worried about macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, experts recommend a higher dose: 80 milligrams a day. Writing in the Archives of Ophthalmology, Dr. David Jarrard of the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center said the firmly established benefits for men at risk of vision loss outweigh the uncertain risks of prostate cancer. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Pensioners win treatment after court battle for sight-saving drug Jul 23, 2008
Jean Middleton, 78, from Kingsbury, Raymond Liggins, 76, from Nuneaton, and Patricia Meadows, 65, from Stratford-on-Avon went to the high court because Warwickshire PCT said it could not afford the cost of a new drug, Lucentis, which can prevent blindness from age-related macular degeneration. A course of treatment over two years costs about 10,700 per eye per patient. (guardian.co.uk)
Mattoon Lions Club honors three with Melvin Jones Award Jul 22, 2008
Another 50 million will be used to combat new and emerging threats to sight, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and low vision. Remaining funds will be used to fund research and rehabilitation initiatives. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Making Genentech Disappear Jul 22, 2008
Lucentis, a modified version of its cancer drug Avastin that is approved to treat the eye disease macular degeneration, is more expensive than using small doses of Avastin--something some ophthalmologists advocate. In colon and lung cancer, Avastin extends survival, but by only a matter of months. (Forbes -- Business)
Protein Transports Nutrients Believed To Protect Against Eye Disease Jul 19, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 18, 2008) Scientists have identified the protein responsible for transporting nutrients to the eye that are believed to protect against the development of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in elderly Americans ... Various studies have suggested that high concentrations of these two dietary compounds in particular, known as xanthophylls, have properties that can prevent macular degeneration ... Our research to understand this mechanism might... (Science Daily)
Eye Test Could Spot Diabetes Vision Trouble Early Jul 17, 2008
"Diabetes is the best example of that because of the prevalence of the disease in our population. But the technique is also capable of screening other diseases such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration," he added. Elner has a financial interest in this technology, and started a company to make it commercially available. (MEDLINEplus)
Visual Impairment May Be Associated With Higher Suicide Risk Jul 16, 2008
(July 12, 2007) Individuals age 49 and older with cataract and those age 49 to 74 years with age-related macular degeneration appear to have higher mortality rates over an 11-year period than those without such. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Retinal Implant Can Give Vision To Old People Jul 15, 2008
Ten people suffering from retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration were implanted with retinal cells ... But this method could be a slight hope for the people suffering from blindness in their old age due retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. (TopNews)
Skin Cancer Also a Threat to the Eyes Jul 14, 2008
Sun damage starts early in life and can trigger a host of ophthalmic maladies: cataracts, macular degeneration, corneal burns, benign growths, solar retinopathy and eye cancer. In addition to melanoma, other skin cancers -- basil cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas -- can also affect the eyes. (Fox News)
ABVI to Feature Aunt Maries Paintings Jul 14, 2008
Norma Holland visited , 83, who has been painting for several years after losing sight in one eye due to macular degeneration. Some of her paintings will be auctioned off at ABVIs gala on July 15 at the Blue Cross Arena to benefit the. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Retinal transplant boosts vision Jul 14, 2008
The retinal cells, taken from aborted foetuses, were implanted into 10 people with retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration ... Retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the most common causes of blindness in old age, and involve the gradual and normally irreversible destruction of the cells on the eye's retina which receive light. (BBC News -- Health)
Sight-drug battle in High Court Jul 13, 2008
The judicial review follows a decision by Warwickshire Primary Care Trust not to fund the drug for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Success for the trio could mean more patients in England being able to have the drug, Lucentis, said the RNIB.. (BBC News -- UK)
Optometrist brings exams to PX Jul 13, 2008
Horizon Eyecare provides a full-eye health exam and screens for macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and other eye diseases. "We have retinal photography that not everyone has," Hutchinson said. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
Regeneron paying $12.45M settlement Jul 4, 2008
Regeneron is developing protein-based pharmaceuticals for treatment of diseases ranging from age-related macular degeneration to cancer and inflammatory diseases. OTHER STORIES. (Albany Times Union)
Agnes M. Adix Jul 4, 2008
Facing increasing limitations due to a stroke and macular degeneration, Agnes sold her home in 1996 and moved to an assisted living apartment near the home of her daughter, Marilyn, in Corvallis. She passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at Corvallis Caring Place. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Law & Order: Criminal Intent Jul 3, 2008
But in the latest case, Detective Robert Goren (Vincent D'Onofrio) spots that the witness has macular degeneration, casting doubt on the ID. Not everyone is impressed at Goren's perspicacity: "Since when is a cop not a reliable witness?" rages a colleague. Then another witness to Joe's death is shot and everything unravels. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
