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)
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)
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)
Diabetic Hispanics Not Receiving Proper Eye Care Jul 20, 2008
The importance of appropriate and timely care for diabetic retinopathy or macular edema [swelling in the retina] is paramount, as it is the leading cause of visual loss among working-age Hispanic individuals. " About 20% of Hispanic individuals over 40 years old suffer from diabetes and about 50% of these have the eye condition called diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. This study utilized data from interviews of randomly selected Hispanic individuals without diabetes (349... (Medical News Today)
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)
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)
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)
Trials for 'bionic' eye implants Jul 14, 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)
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)
New Oral Angiogenesis Inhibitor Offers Potential Nontoxic Therapy For A Wide Range Of Cancers Jul 1, 2008
Lodamin may also be useful in other diseases that involve aberrant blood-vessel growth, such as age-related macular degeneration and arthritis ... She continues to study Lodamin s effects in other animal models of cancer, and in macular degeneration with Robert D Amato, MD, PhD, in the Vascular Biology program. (Science Daily)
Food pairings: Working for or against you? Jul 1, 2008
So add a little extra-virgin olive oil to your zucchini, spinach, and other dark green vegetables to unleash the carotenoid lutein, an antioxidant that may help protect against age-related macular degeneration. And instead of using fat-free dressing on your salad, drizzle on an olive oil--based one. (CNN -- Health)
Next-generation artificial retina focuses on clinical trials Jul 1, 2008
(It only works for patients whose retina has degenerated, but still have intact nerves connecting to the brain--a condition brought on the disease retinitis pigmentosa and by age-related macular degeneration. The artificial retina has an array of electrodes that stimulates optic nerve cells, sending an image to the brain's vision centers. (EETimes)
Accidental fungus leads to promising cancer drug Jun 30, 2008
The researchers believe lodamin may also be useful in other diseases marked by abnormal blood vessel growth, such as age-related macular degeneration. (Editing by Todd Eastham). (Scientific American)
Pfizer Eyes New Use For Stem Cells Jun 24, 2008
Abnormal blood vessels are a key problem in both diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration ... This drug is approved for macular degeneration and is in testing for diabetic eye disease. (Forbes -- Business)
Hero with a heart of gold (1) Jun 19, 2008
Papez lost much of his sight due to macular degeneration, and he lost some of his hearing. He had all of these experiences but he was never defeated, Ball said. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Dont be shy, ask mom about her health problems Jun 17, 2008
You know she wears contacts, but "quiz her about whether she's ever been diagnosed with glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve) or macular degeneration (thinning of the retina)," says Mark Swan, O.D., M.Ed., a professor of optometry at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan ... Escape the parent trap: "If glaucoma or macular degeneration runs in your family, whether you light up can make the difference between getting them or not," Swan says. (MSNBC -- Health)
Not until 'Suzy says so' (2) Jun 15, 2008
I'm certain that astaxanthin can improve cataracts and age-related macular degeneration because it's a carotenoid too. It's fascinating that the nutrient slips through the doorway of ALL your cells, even your brain cells. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Eating Fatty Fish Can Help Aging Eyes Jun 13, 2008
Macular Degeneration Health Center ... Study Shows Diet Rich in Omega-3s Helps Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration By WebMD Health News Reviewed by ... Macular degeneration is the main cause of severe loss in people older than 60. (WebMD)
OLeary: Will Medicare pay for smoking cessation counseling? Jun 13, 2008
Smoking is linked to heart disease, stroke, lung disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, macular degeneration, cataracts, osteoporosis and many other diseases. Getting help with stopping smoking is a good plan. (Stoneham Sun, MA)
Eating Fish And Foods With Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked To Lower Risk Of Age-related Eye Disease Jun 12, 2008
11, 2008) Eating fish and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids is associated with reduced risk of the eye disease age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a meta-analysis of nine previously published studies ... "Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss among elderly people," they write as background information in the article ... Dietary {omega}-3 Fatty Acid and Fish Intake in the Primary Prevention of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A... (Science Daily)
Diets that eat away at illnesses Jun 12, 2008
Taylor s group is studying the efficacy of a low-glycemic diet a diet low in simple carbohydrates in the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration and cataracts. The group has found that controlling spikes in blood sugar can result in diminished risk for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Jun 12, 2008
Volume 358:2606-2617. Rama D. Jager, M.D., William F. Mieler, M.D., and Joan W. Miller, M.D.. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Oily fish 'cuts eye disease risk' Jun 11, 2008
The Annals of Ophthalmology review suggests omega-3 may cut the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by a third. However, the Australian researchers stop short of encouraging everyone to eat more omega-3 for this reason alone. (BBC News -- Health)
Parents of ill vegan girl may face police Jun 11, 2008
Many vegan babies and children develop retinal degeneration (including macular) because of an insufficiency of the amino acid "Taurine". It is nowadays routinely added to commercial baby food and pet food for that reason. (Times Online)
Old Drugs, New Tricks Jun 11, 2008
Example: Genentech's novel angiogenesis inhibitor Lucentis, which (subscription required) with macular degeneration. But such successes are incredibly rare and even in cases like Lucentis, often unforeseen. (Slate)
Campaign Notes Jun 10, 2008
June s monthly handout is on Macular Degeneraration. No appointment is necessary. (Acton Beacon, MA)
QLT sells acne treatment product to Allergan Jun 9, 2008
QLT has been under mounting financial pressure as sales of Visudyne, a treatment for macular degeneration, have plunged in the face of strong competition from new products from other drug-makers. It lost $10. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
XOMA 052 Demonstrates Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Diabetes Animal Studies; Data Presented At ADA Jun 8, 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)
Vitamins Help Prevent Vision Loss From AMD -- If Used Correctly Jun 7, 2008
6, 2008) A study of individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), based at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, found that nearly 40 percent of those likely to benefit from specific vitamin/mineral supplements were either not taking the supplements or not using the recommended dosage ... 11, 2003) If every American at risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) took daily supplements of antioxidant vitamins and zinc, more than 300,000... (Science Daily)
Sunglasses important in shielding harmful rays Jun 5, 2008
"{M3The eyes have it{M3The effects of sun damage are being seen in Baby Boomers, Wadzinski said."We know that repeated exposure of sun to the eyes will result in cataracts and early-age macular degeneration," he said."Snow skiers without sunglasses -- who might have a lot of exposure to reflective light -- can put themselves at risk with a superficial burn on their cornea," he added. "That will resolve itself, like a sunburn, but repeated exposure like that to the eyes will ultimately become... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Vitamins to prevent vision loss Jun 3, 2008
WASHINGTON: A new study of people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), based at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has found that a correct usage of vitamin supplements may help prevent loss of vision in those suffering from AMD.. However, they discovered that a majority of patients lack a clear understanding of supplement use in AMD treatment. (India Times, India)
New air service on the horizon Jun 1, 2008
The Townsend Eye Clinic, on Broadway, offers complete eye care, including exams, glasses and contacts and testing for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetes. Fresh Brew: There s a new coffee shop on tap at the Great Northern Town Center. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
'Big Al' livens up a nursing home May 31, 2008
When I make up my mind, you can t stop me, says Sykes, whose blindness was caused by macular degeneration, probably triggered by his years of service in the navy during World War II without any protection for his eyes from the brilliant sunlight at sea. Jane Eagan, Al s other daughter, says her father s call for help made them realize how isolated he had been. (North Andover Citizen, MA)
Eyes Need Protection From Sun, Too May 30, 2008
UV rays can damage the retina, which increases the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness among older Americans. UV radiation can also damage the eye lens and cause cataracts and, in extreme cases, cancer of the eye. (CBS News -- Early Show)
3 TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING May 30, 2008
Antioxidants-Fruits and veggies help to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and macular degeneration, which are associated with aging. Be sure to include things like oranges, blueberries, strawberries in your daily diet. (W-USA News, DC)
Obituaries for Tuesday, May 27, 2008 May 27, 2008
Memorials may be given to St. John s Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Macular Degeneration Foundation at or HospiceCare of Madison. Lanham-Miller Funeral Home of Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Biotech Reigns At Wharton's Business Plan Contest May 26, 2008
About one in five people over the age of 65 has some level of macular degeneration--an eye disease that gradually blots out people's central vision and, if untreated, eventually blinds them. Macular degeneration causes permanent scarring at the back of the eye, so it's irreversible ... iTherapeutics has devised a drug that would halt macular degeneration by focusing in on a critical gene via a recently discovered biological process. (Forbes)
Australians complacacent about eye health: research May 25, 2008
Today marks the start of Macular Degeneration Week with with one in seven people over the age of 50 affected by the condition. Julie Heraghty from the Macular Degeneration Foundation says the symptoms are often ignored ... "We know that early detection and treatment ... we now have specially with one form of macular degeneration, wet MD, we have the opportunity to save sight," she said. (ABC Online)
High-tech devices permit some elderly to live at home with monitoring May 25, 2008
At 88, Trost has macular degeneration and takes medications for seizures, memory loss, and restless leg syndrome. "She's a feisty gal," Pitet said of her mother. (Boston Globe)
Ordinary man’s story is quite extraordinary May 25, 2008
Macular degeneration. He took up golf, volunteering at tournaments, mostly in Florida. (Scranton Times, PA)
A safe, healthy day of fishing May 24, 2008
Prolonged exposure raises the risk of skin cancer and diseases of the eye like burned corneas, cataracts, macular degeneration and even migraine headaches, but prevention is easier than most think. Body parts most vulnerable to sunburn are the nose, tops of ears and back of the neck. (Camdenton Lake Sun Leader, MO)
Safety and Efficacy of Gene Transfer for Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis May 22, 2008
In one patient, an asymptomatic macular hole developed, and although the occurrence was considered to be an adverse event, the patient had some return of retinal function. Although the follow-up was very short and normal vision was not achieved, this study provides the basis for further gene therapy studies in patients with LCA.. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Ivalee Sinclair helps special youth May 20, 2008
The dynamic woman will be 80 on June 1 and has macular degeneration in both eyes, but isn't slowing down. She's the Department of Education's part-time family specialist, a title created for her, and chairwoman of the special education advisory committee, among many other activities. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Vision for the future May 17, 2008
They meet at Wolfe Eye Clinic so he can treat Welch's age-related macular degeneration with Lucentis, a recently approved injectable drug that prevents further loss of Welch's eyesight ... Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60 ... "Wet" or neovascular macular degeneration is the growth of blood vessels at the back of the eye. (Mid Iowa Enterprise, IA)
Alyce Hanson: Still rocking at 100 May 15, 2008
"It's macular degeneration, so she can't see faces. But she initiated the whole process by herself, went to all the orientations. And then told me. She said, 'I'm going to go volunteer at the hospital.' And I said, 'Good for you.' "They keep saying it does good things for them, but I'll tell ya. It has kept her alive. (Anchorage Daily News)
Vision Therapy Appears To Improve Visual Function In Macular Disease May 14, 2008
"At least 10 hours of low-vision therapy, including a home visit and assigned homework to encourage practice, is justified for patients with moderate and severe vision loss from macular diseases," they conclude ... 19, 2000) Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a treatment for age-related macular degeneration under study at Emory University and other sites, has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval ... (May 19, 2004) Oxygen delivered through the nose may improve poor vision caused by... (Science Daily)
High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol May Be Associated With Retinal Vascular Disease May 13, 2008
(May 19, 2004) Oxygen delivered through the nose may improve poor vision caused by diabetic macular edema, fluid buildup in the part of the eye responsible for central vision, according to a pilot study by. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Carolyn Anderson-Hanson: 'First Mother’s Day without Mom' May 11, 2008
She dealt with other physical ailments as well but macular degeneration really frustrated her. Still she kept pushing herself. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Marvelous Marvel bowls at 92 May 11, 2008
All from a woman who has been legally blind for the past decade after suffering from macular degeneration since 1998. Macular degeneration is a medical condition predominantly found in elderly adults in which the center of the inner lining of the eye, known as the macula area of the retina, suffers thinning, and in some cases, bleeding ... " Now, Mathis is adjusting to the changes that come with macular degeneration. "I was a little sad when I couldn't drive anymore. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
Build a better salad May 10, 2008
Also, they provide generous amounts of vitamin A and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help protect against macular degeneration. Good to know: Lutein is better absorbed when combined with a splash of oil, particularly olive oil, according to a 2007 preliminary study with animals from the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. (CNN)
Novadaq's OPTTX System Data Presented at ARVO May 9, 2008
Sacco Hospital in Milan Italy and University Hospital of Coventry in Coventry, England are using OPTTX routinely in the evaluation and treatment of patients with wet Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) ... Novadaq also offers the OPTTX System, which leverages the company's core imaging technology and is designed for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). (Canada Newswire)
Bayer and Regeneron Dose First Patient in Second Phase 3 Study for VEGF Trap-Eye in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration May 8, 2008
International Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety in Treating a Leading Cause of Blindness LEVERKUSEN, Germany, MONTVILLE, New Jersey and TARRYTOWN, New York, May 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bayer HealthCare AG and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ) today announced that the first patient has been dosed in the VIEW 2 trial, a second Phase 3 clinical study in a development program evaluating VEGF Trap-Eye for the treatment of the neovascular form of Age-related Macular Degeneration (wet... (PR Newswire)
Bayer and Regeneron Dose First Patient in Second Phase ... May 8, 2008
Bayer and Regeneron Dose First Patient in Second Phase 3 Study for VEGF Trap-Eye in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration ... Bayer and Regeneron Dose First Patient in Second Phase 3 Study for VEGF Trap-Eye in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration ... LEVERKUSEN, Germany, MONTVILLE, New Jersey and TARRYTOWN, New York, May 8, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ ----Bayer HealthCare AG and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) today announced that the first patient has been... (Fox News)
Trials for 'bionic' eye implants May 8, 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)
Take care of your eyes May 7, 2008
Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of oxidative stress, and it's known that smoking increases your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The macular area of the retina has the finest blood supply in the body, serving the retinal receptors that enable us to see minute details clearly. (iAfrica.com)
QLT completes enrollment in the RADICAL study May 5, 2008
"We look forward to reporting interim results in the fourth quarter of 2008 and top-line results in the first half of 2009." The RADICAL trial is a Phase II, multicenter, randomized, single-masked study comparing reduced-fluence Visudyne-Lucentis combination therapies and Lucentis monotherapy in subjects with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) ... Visudyne (verteporfin for injection) therapy is indicated for the treatment of patients with... (Canada Newswire)
Glad You Asked: What are birthmarks and why do we have them? May 2, 2008
The most common vascular birthmarks are macular stains, hemangiomas and port-wine stains. Macular stains are known as angel kisses if they re on the face and stork bites if they re on the back of the neck, but can occur anywhere on the body. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
