Another view: New marijuana approach welcome Oct 31, 2009
tymtpunk wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:44 AM:" Cal- pull your head out of the sand. I know of plenty of people who use this medicinal herb to alleviate the symptoms of glaucoma, arthritis, and macular degeneration. These people are well in to their 80s. We, as a country, allow people to abuse the system and get narcotics such as synthetic opiates or anti-depressants that are made in a lab by man. Why not let God's medicine help these people? Medical marijuana has been clinically proven less harmful... (Montana Standard, MT)
Stem cell agency awards $230 million in grants Oct 30, 2009
-- $16 million to treat macular degeneration using transplanted retinal cells made from embryonic stem cells. University of Southern California and UC Santa Barbara. (San Francisco Chronicle)
More of this story Oct 29, 2009
When Kathleen's failing health and macular degeneration forced her to move into the nursing home, Ernie became the home's most faithful visitor. It was his home away from home and the place where he and Kathleen celebrated their 70th anniversary surrounded by many of their friends and family. (Cut Bank Pioneer Press - Golden Triangle, MT)
No funerals, no kids, no wrinkles Oct 29, 2009
In the following decades regenerative medicine will take the next step, meaning an ultimate end to diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, macular degeneration and possibly even cancer. Ben | Melbourne - October 29, 2009, 1:30PM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
More than par for the course Oct 29, 2009
Mercer, who will turn 90 years old on Feb. 13, has golfed regularly for more than 25 years, even after she was diagnosed 11 years ago with a macular degeneration eye disorder. Rain or shine, good scores or bad scores, good eyesight or not so good eyesight, Mercer still loves her golf. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Medicare reverses billing change on Genentech drug Oct 29, 2009
The federal government spends about $1 billion a year on Lucentis, which is approved to treat wet, macular degeneration, a condition that causes blood vessels in the eye to leak fluid ... The American Academy of Ophthalmologists estimates about 60 percent of all injections for macular degeneration use Avastin. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
New solutions for staying young and healthy Oct 27, 2009
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. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Gene therapy experiment restores sight in a few Oct 27, 2009
"These findings may expedite development of gene therapy for more common retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration.". Battered fieldThey could also help restore the tarnished image of gene therapy, battered by the death of an 18-year-old volunteer in a clinical trial in 1999 and cases of leukemia in a few young children treated in France. (MSNBC -- Health)
Read the story Oct 26, 2009
But similar treatments could be developed to treat other inherited retinal conditions, including some forms of macular degeneration, Goldberg notes. "The potential is tremendous," he says. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Gene therapy helps eyesight for 12 with rare visual defect Oct 26, 2009
LOS ANGELES - Researchers using gene therapy have made significant improvements in vision in 12 patients with a rare inherited visual defect, a finding that suggests it might be possible to produce similar improvements in a much larger number of patients with retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. The team reported success with three adult patients last year, an achievement that was hailed as a major accomplishment for gene therapy. (Boston Globe)
Eye gene therapy boost for young Oct 25, 2009
" Barbara McLaughlan, of the charity RNIB, said: "We welcome the continuing research in this field and hope that at some point it will be possible to use gene therapy for conditions such as age related macular degeneration which are more complex because of a complicated interaction between multiple genetic and environmental factors. " But a lot more research was needed, she added, "to maximise the benefits of gene therapy techniques and understand how they can then be turned into effective... (BBC News -- Health)
1 shot of gene therapy and children with congenital blindness can now see Oct 25, 2009
"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. (EurekAlert!)
Storm victim needs help:But does he want it? Oct 24, 2009
But now Johnny's eyes cloud from macular degeneration. He has arthritis, neuropathy and hypertension. (The Palm Beach Post)
Novartis says 3Q profit up 1 pct, raises outlook Oct 23, 2009
It noted that recently approved Lucentis, for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration, a form of blindness, and Tasigna, to treat certain forms of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, compensated weakening performance of the hypertension drug Diovan in the U.S. as patients chose cheap generics. Novartis said it expected pharmaceuticals net sales in local currencies to grow at a double-digit rate in 2009. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
The Longevity Diet Oct 23, 2009
Natural Anti-Aging Foods for Health and Longevity. Everyone experiences the signs of aging skin begins to wrinkle, hair becomes dry and thin, eyesight wanes, joints ache, and energy levels plummet. (Suite101.com)
Cecile Betts Oct 23, 2009
Later, after being blinded by macular degeneration, she. Lived independently until she went on hospice care in June, 2009. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Bionic Technology Aims To Give Sight To Woman Blinded Beginning At Age 13 Oct 22, 2009
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)
Truth Squad: Supplements for Eye Health Oct 22, 2009
The 2001 clinical trial, sponsored by the , also found that taking these supplements reduced the risk of vision loss caused by advanced age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, by about 19 percent ... For example, according to Asbell, supplements may have more benefit to those who suffer from dry age-related macular degeneration, a less severe form of AMD, because of the slower progression of vision loss, rather than the more severe wet AMD.. (ABC News)
Evelyn M. (Layman) Woodcum Oct 22, 2009
Contributions in memory of Evelyn Woodcum may be made to the Macular Degeneration Foundation through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734. Friends may offer their condolences online at. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Stem Cell Transplants Stalled Blindness in Rats Oct 21, 2009
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Nerve stem cell transplants may help slow the progression of macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in the developed world, U.S. researchers said on Monday. They said putting nerve stem cells from StemCells Inc near the retinas of rats with a form of macular degeneration helped keep the disease from advancing to blindness for several months ... The findings raise hope for use of the treatment in humans with a range of diseases in which the retina become... (MEDLINEplus)
Scientists Create Robot Surrogate For Blind Persons In Testing Visual Prostheses Oct 21, 2009
24, 2009) MIT engineers have designed a retinal implant for people who have lost their vision from retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration, two of the leading causes of blindness. The retinal. (Science Daily)
'Bionic Eye' May Help Blind See Oct 21, 2009
More than two million Americans suffer from eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, slowly losing their vision as the nerve cells that detect light are destroyed, due to either age or illness ... 24, 2009) MIT engineers have designed a retinal implant for people who have lost their vision from retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration, two of the leading causes of blindness ... Ocular oncologists adopted a drug originally intended to treat... (Science Daily)
BLIND-SIDED: Losing Sight Out of Nowhere, Why? Oct 20, 2009
" Related Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is among the leading causes of blindness in the United States, and the number one cause of blindness among Caucasians. About 1.8 million Americans suffer from AMD, and another 7 million are at a significant risk of developing the disease, according to the at the National Institutes of Health. "The disease slowly destroys the central portion of a person's vision, affecting their ability to read, drive and recognize faces," explained Dr. Gerald... (ABC News)
Today's Type 1 Diabetes Patients Enjoy Better Vision Than Those In Decades Past Oct 17, 2009
"Effective treatments for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and related macular edema became widely available in the 1970s, and earlier screening and detection of DR began in the 1980s. In the 1990s, we learned that intensive control of blood glucose could significantly impact DR progression in T1D, so physicians and patients began closely monitoring this factor and controlling it with diet, exercise and medication.". Key findings include: among participants who had T1D for 30 to 34 years at the time... (Science Daily)
Mackie: Don't toss insides of carved pumpkins, many vitamins inside Oct 15, 2009
It is strongly believed to help reduce the rate of macular degeneration, an age-related deterioration of the central part of the eye s retina. It may also increase heart health and decrease the risk of other cancers. (WWLTV.com, LA)
How Humans See In Bright And Low Light Oct 14, 2009
The discovery could contribute to better understanding of human diseases that affect the retina, including age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 50 ... Age-related macular degeneration may be modulated, perhaps, through this pathway we've identified in the retina, says principal investigator Vladimir J. Kefalov, Ph ... D. Deficiencies in this pathway affect cone cells, and so does macular degeneration, so it's possible that if we could enhance... (Science Daily)
Medicare would shift patients off $50 drug to $2,000 Oct 14, 2009
Genentech argues that Lucentis is formulated with smaller molecules than Avastin to better treat wet macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in seniors ... The American Academy of Ophthalmologists estimates 50 percent of all injections for macular degeneration use Avastin ... But while Avastin was FDA-approved as a cancer treatment in 2004, Lucentis was specifically studied and approved as a treatment for macular degeneration in 2006. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Signs Of Macular Degeneration May Predict Heart Disease Oct 14, 2009
13, 2009) A large study found strong evidence that older people who have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are at increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), although not for stroke ... (May 15, 2009) Older adults with low scores on tests of cognitive function, including thinking, learning and memory appear more likely to have the early stages of the eye disease age-related macular degeneration ... 4, 2008) Scientists have identified a new genetic risk factor for age-related macular... (Science Daily)
Now, a single jab to prevent blindness Oct 13, 2009
Presently, drugs to treat age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the west, have to be injected into the eyeball once a month, which can cause eye infections and even blindness in 1 out of 50 injections ... Although the existing drugs to treat age-related macular degeneration would be too big to pass through the barrier, there are other molecules in development that are small enough. (India Times, India)
Vision Influences Adults' Success And Health; Prenatal Factors May Be Crucial Oct 12, 2009
"We think further life-span research will reveal factors that contribute both to complex eye diseases, like glaucoma and macular degeneration, and to other major illnesses that apparently share etiologies with these eye disorders," she added. Of 9,330 study participants, 1. (Science Daily)
Cancer drug is no different in effectiveness as gold standard treatment for macular degeneration Oct 10, 2009
(Boston) - Investigators from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and the VA Boston Healthcare System have shown, at 6 months in a small group of patients, that there is no difference in efficacy between Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Ranibizumab (Lucentis) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study, which appears currently on-line in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, is the first to report early outcomes of a prospective, double-masked, randomized, controlled... (EurekAlert!)
Read more... Oct 10, 2009
Recent research findings have found that eating foods rich in Lutein, a plant nutrient, may help prevent age-related macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of blindness in older adults ... "The research is very preliminary, but it does suggest that Lutein can help protect against adults developing macular degeneration. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of green vegetables should be sufficient for most families," said Dr. Borchert. (PNN Online)
State residents come to town to lend a hand to veterans Oct 8, 2009
"We've got four doctors and 25 to 30 volunteers here, most of whom are Lions, and a couple of VFW people. This is our third year at Stand Down." The Lions test vision, screen for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts, provide reading glasses, and adjust and clean prescription glasses. "Last year we had some with retinal issues. So far today we've found a couple of cases of glaucoma," Polezonis said. (Rocky Hill Post, CT)
McAllister: Dietary supplement may stall Parkinson’s Oct 7, 2009
Use of the supplement also has been found beneficial in the treatment of gum disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, male infertility and age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. While aging and poor nutrition are believed to be the most common cause of low blood levels of coenzyme Q10, there is evidence that certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, interfere with the body s ability to produce the substance. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Designing drugs and their antidotes together improves patient care Oct 5, 2009
To date, one aptamer has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a drug for macular degeneration, a cause of blindness. Several others are being tested and developed for use in cardiovascular, hematology and cancer patients. (EurekAlert!)
Hip Fracture Prevention Tips for ... Oct 4, 2009
Some eye problems, such as glaucoma, may have no early symptoms while others, such as macular degeneration and cataracts, may have gradual changes that may be difficult to realize. Seniors who are experiencing vision changes should seek an evaluation to determine the cause and possible treatment options. (Suite101.com)
Retinal Rescue: Cells Derived From Human Embryonic Stem Cells Reverse Retinal Degeneration Oct 3, 2009
Deterioration of the RPE plays a central role in the progression of diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and sub-types of retinitis pigmentosa. These conditions are associated with a progressive loss of vision that often leads to blindness. (Science Daily)
Better Brain Implants Using Polymer Nanotubes Sep 30, 2009
22, 2008) Plastic coatings could someday help neural implants treat conditions as diverse as Parkinson's disease and macular degeneration. The coatings encourage neurons in the body to grow and connect with. (Science Daily)
New Treatments Hold Hope for Failing Eyes Sep 30, 2009
As the U.S. ages, macular degeneration rates are expected to swell ... SUNDAY, Sept. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Already a leading cause of vision loss among people older than 60, age-related macular degeneration is expected to skyrocket in numbers over the coming decades as the U.S. population grows older ... However, a series of new treatments now under study or in development should mean that eye specialists will be well-prepared to treat the coming surge of macular degeneration cases. (MEDLINEplus)
Trio hopes to inspire others Sep 25, 2009
Born with a degenerative macular disease that ate away his central vision and most of his peripheral vision, he's never known anything different. In 1949 when he was 6, Plaskon sat in a doctor's office overhearing the conversation with his father in the next room. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Retinal Implant Could Help Restore Some Vision Sep 24, 2009
The eye implant is designed for people who have lost their vision from retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration, two of the leading causes of blindness ... (July 11, 2008) Preliminary research shows encouraging results with transplantation of retinal cells in patients with blindness caused by retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, according to a new. (Science Daily)
Trials for 'bionic' eye implants Sep 24, 2009
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)
Quiz: Is It dementia or normal memory loss? Sep 24, 2009
She is also virtually blind with macular, and barely hears in the one good ear with a hearing aid. Though I think she sometimes sees with the "third eye" because she still appreciates beauty. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
XOMA to Develop Therapeutic Antibody for H1N1 and H5N1 Influenza Viruses Under $2.2 Million U.S. Government Program Managed by SRI International Sep 24, 2009
XOMA's technologies have contributed to the success of marketed antibody products, including LUCENTIS(r) (ranibizumab injection) for wet age-related macular degeneration and CIMZIA(r) (certolizumab pegol) for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. The company has a premier antibody discovery and development platform that incorporates leading, unmatched capabilities in antibody phage display and a unique collection of antibody display libraries, as well as XOMA's proprietary Targeted Affinity... (Primezone Releases)
Photoswitches Shed Light On Spontaneous Free Swimming In Zebrafish Sep 23, 2009
1, 2006) The major cause of blindness in this country is the death of photoreceptors -- rods and cones -- in the retina, a disease called macular degeneration. A possible new therapy involves inserting. (Science Daily)
A Chip For The Eye? Artificial Vision Enhancers Being Put To The Test Sep 22, 2009
3, 2008) The Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial (CAPT) Research Group assessed night vision in a cohort of 1,052 CAPT patients. The main purpose of CAPT, a National Eye. (Science Daily)
Letters to the editor (9/22/09) Sep 22, 2009
These professionals teach people with vision loss (due to macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions) new techniques for living healthy, safe lives in their own homes. With one in four adults over 40 projected to suffer significant vision loss by 2030, this gap in coverage leaves too many citizens at high risk for falls, home accidents, medication mistakes and social isolation. (Anchorage Daily News)
The real truth about so-called scary foods Sep 19, 2009
Eggs have good-quality protein with the essential amino acids; choline, which might play a role in preventing memory loss; and lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that protect the eyes against cataracts and macular degeneration, says Maria Luz Fernandez, PhD, a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Connecticut. In Dr. Fernandezs study of 45 healthy men and women ages 60 and older, those who ate as many as three eggs a day didnt raise their heart disease risk at all. (MSNBC -- Health)
Seeking shade: Sunglasses crucial year-round for eye protection Sep 19, 2009
Too much time outdoors without adequate eye protection could penetrate the retina and lead to cataracts, macular degeneration or skin cancer around the eyelids, according to Prevent Blindness America, a national volunteer health and safety organization. Sunglasses should block ultraviolet radiation found in everyday sunlight. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Out Of Darkness, Sight: Rare Cases Of Restored Vision Reveal How The Brain Learns To See Sep 19, 2009
13, 2009) In macular degeneration, the most common form of adult blindness, patients progressively lose vision in the center of their visual field, depriving the corresponding part of the visual cortex of ... 21, 2008) A new study shows that when patients with macular degeneration focus on using another part of their retina to compensate for their loss of central vision, their brain seems to compensate by. (Science Daily)
'Gene cure' for colour blindness Sep 17, 2009
Sometimes colour blindness occurs because of diseases such as macular degeneration or from side effects of medicines. Winfried Amoaku, an expert in ophthalmology at the University of Nottingham, said the research could eventually benefit approximately 7% of males and 1% of females born with genetic colour deficiencies. (BBC News -- Americas)
Scientists Cure Color Blindness In Monkeys Sep 17, 2009
Even in common types of blindness such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, vision could potentially be rescued by targeting cone cells, he said. "The major thrust of the study is you can ameliorate if not cure color blindness with gene therapy," said Gerald H. Jacobs, Ph. (Science Daily)
Loci Color: Gene Therapy Cures Color-Blindness in Adult Monkeys Sep 17, 2009
Unlike some other common vision disorders, such as age-related macular degneration, is a heritable disorder caused by a single gene that is defective or absent. Neitz and his wife, Maureen Neitz, also in the U.W. ophthalmology department, and the rest of their team have pinpointed that gene and developed a working virus vector to carry a functional copy of it. (Scientific American)
Steroid Injections May Help Restore Vision In Some Patients With Blocked Eye Veins Sep 16, 2009
The condition frequently occurs in individuals with diabetes and leads to macular edema, or fluid buildup in the retina ... However, there is presently no proven, effective therapy for vision loss associated with macular edema after central retinal vein occlusion (blockage in the main portion of the retinal vein, at the optic nerve) ... In one paper, the SCORE (Standard Care vs. Corticosteroid for Retinal Vein Occlusion) Study Research Group reports the results of a randomized clinical trial... (Science Daily)
Laser Treatment For BRVO Is Safer Than Corticosteroid Injections And Equally Effective, Study Finds Sep 16, 2009
A Randomized Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Triamcinolone With Standard Care to Treat Vision Loss Associated With Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: The Standard Care vs Corticosteroid for Retinal Vein Occlu. Arch Ophthalmol, 2009; 127 (9): 1115-1128. (Science Daily)
12 to Watch: Dr. Mehmet Oz Sep 16, 2009
I have had 3 macular proceedures and have still not regained sight for reading ... I am losing vision in the other eye, as I have a slight hole in the macular as well. (TVweek.com)
Meet the new faces of middle age Sep 14, 2009
Sadly, age-related macular degeneration, a disease that damages the retina, eventually threatens the vision of about one-third of people. Your Mom's Middle Age: What will be will be. (MSNBC -- Health)
Not So Peachy Advice Sep 14, 2009
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health explain that eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help you ward off heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure, prevent some types of cancer, avoid a painful intestinal ailment called diverticulitis, and guard against cataract and macular degeneration, two common causes of vision loss. They suggest eating as many as possibleat least 9 servings or about 4. (Townhall.com)
Life sciences company raises $5M investment Sep 9, 2009
Alimera is developing Iluvien for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Iluvien is inserted into the patient s eye with a 25-gauge needle, which allows for a self-sealing wound. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
LETTER: Feds not addressinghigh health care costs Sep 8, 2009
"GOOG POINT. My wife in this "insurance year" is having $9,000 of necessary dental work done, and the max/year of my dental insurance is $2,000. I got caught last year with about $5,000 of out-of-pocket dental costs. Re vision, medical ins usually includes (as in my case) cataracts, detached retina, macular hole so our vision insurance is only for eyeglasses which are not such a large expense. ". Harry Potter wrote on Sep 7, 2009 7:57 PM:" I do agree that the government is doing little to... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
New therapies help macular degeneration Sep 8, 2009
Age-related macular degeneration causes central vision loss ... Ophthalmologist Dr. Sharon Solomon examined Albert Budacz and found age-related macular degeneration ... He was found to have the beginnings macular degeneration, an eye condition that occurs when the central portion of the retina -- called the macula -- begins to deteriorate. (CNN)
United States Patent and Trademark Office Publishes Stemedica's Patent Application for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Sep 8, 2009
Noticeable patient findings included: overall visual function improvements by all eight patients within sixty (60) days of treatment; reduction in absolute scotomas; increases in the thickness of the optic nerve fiber; resorption of hemorrhages; no new micro bleeding edema of the nerve fiber layer; and, a decrease in macular edema. Improvement in the function of different layers of the retina and optic nerve were experienced as well as a reduction in the number of scotomas in the field of... (PR Newswire)
Demand drives health care economics Sep 5, 2009
Wet macular degeneration rapidly resulted in blindness as the current treatment of choice was not available. But care was cheap. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Patent-pending process improves eye disease detection Sep 1, 2009
Gunvant says the technique could also detect other causes of blindness, like diabetes or macular degeneration. The immediate focus, however, is glaucoma, which is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world and the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
Change in Seasons: Ideal Time to Review Healthy Aging Habits Sep 1, 2009
First, lutein's ability to increase macula pigmentation has been shown to have a direct effect on preventing Age-related Macular Degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss. Lutein's role in cataract prevention -- which affects a reported 20. (PR Newswire)
