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RESEARCH AND REPORTS |
There is ongoing research into Macular Degeneration both in Australia and around the world. The MD Foundation provides access to research reports for the MD Community to review and learn more about the disease. It is important to note however, that some research studies are more robust that others, and that there are differing opinions amongst the medical community about the validity of some of the research.
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Age, family history and smoking are the only proven risk factors for MD, with smoking being the only modifiable risk factor.
- An overview of recent studies on modifiable risk factors associated with MD, written by Dr Robyn H. Guymer Associate Professor Centre for Eye Research Australia.
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 The following studies supports the growing body o evidence indicating that smoking is related to an increased risk of developing MD.
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 This research supports the growing evidence that MD is hereditary, with a 50% chance of developing MD if a family history of MD is present.
- The following research papers provide evidence that MD affects 1 in 7 Australians over the age of 50, with the incidence increasing with age.
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- Clinical trials conducted in the United States, titled
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) have found that antioxidants and zinc could help to slow the progression of age related macular degeneration (AMD), among people with intermediate and late stages of MD.
- A review of eight randomised trials comparing antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplementation (alone or in combination) to a control intervention in people conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration.
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 Please consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. Some foods and/or supplements can have an adverse effect on individual health conditions or drug regimes.
- The following papers provide evidence that suggests that a diet high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which can be found in a number of fruit and vegetables, can protect against the development or progression of MD.
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 The following studies supports growing evidence that eating fish and nuts can provide protection against early and late ARM in this older Australian.
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The following papers provide evidence regarding the extent of success about various treatments Wet MD available in Australia.
- Visudyne / Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
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- The following research studies address the possible relationship between cataract surgery and increased prevalence of advanced Macular Degeneration.
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Macular Degeneration and Heart Disease
Researchers at the University of Sydney have conducted a study which suggests that the risk of dying from cardiovascular conditions is at least doubled in people with AMD.
Read the Summary
Read the Detailed Study
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Macular Degeneration and Chronic Kidney Disease
Two recent studies have suggested that there is a link between chronic kidney disease and the incidence of Macular Degeneration.
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- Clinical trials comparing Avastin and Lucentis are currently ongoing in the United States and England. The American CATT (Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials: Lucentis-Avastin Trial). This study started enrolling participants in February 2008, with preliminary results expected in February 2011. A study, called the IVAN trial is also ongoing in England.
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 There are a large number of MD clinical trials being conducted in the USA. Please see link below for a detailed list.
- Recent information about new AREDS 2 clinical trials about to commence, which will include lutein and reduce the zinc content.
- A stem cell therapy is currently being developed that may cure Age-related Macular Degeneration. The Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital in Britain have completed trials on rats and pigs using embryonic stem cells. The trials demonstrated that stem cells can prevent blindness in these animals with a similar disease to AMD. The clinical human trial is due to commence in two years. It is expected to be the second human clinical trial in the world to use embryonic stem cells on humans. The first, on patients with spinal cord injuries, will start in the US this year.
- U.S. scientists have begun a clinical trial which involves surgically implanting a miniature telescope in the eyes of people with end-stage age-related macular degeneration.
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RECENT RESEARCH DEVELOPMENTS |
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- Randomised trial data from a large cohort study of women at high risk of cardiovascular disease indicated that daily supplementation with folic acid, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin may reduce the risk of AMD.
- The UK National Library for Health released an AMD Annual Evidence Update in 2008. This update presents a collection of evidence on MD from research conducted from February 2007-May 2008. The main areas of research include: Epidemiology, Genetics, Retinal imaging for diagnosis, Therapeutic intervention: anti VEGF therapy, Surgical intervention: macular translocation and transplantation, Low vision aids and AMD and Living with AMD.
- The Lions Eye Institute in Perth has recently released some exciting developments for the use of gene therapy and wet MD. Scientists have been able to restore vision in dogs suffering from Lebers congential amaurosis. Although this disease is different to MD they aim adapt the knowledge learnt from these findings into human trials for wet MD. This research is still in its early stages and Phase I human trials will commence in November 2009. Contact the Lions Eye Institute for further information on participation in the study.
- Recent findings from a study conducted in America suggested that high doses of vigorous exercise (running) are associated with lower incidence of AMD.
- A recently published study in Australia studied red meat and chicken consumption and its association with Age-related Macular Degeneration. The results from this study suggest that different meats may differently affect AMD risk and may be a target for lifestyle modification. Please note that this is the first study of its kind worldwide and the quantity of meat consumption is very large.
- Pooled results from 5 cohort studies showed that heavy alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of early AMD however the association with the risk of late AMD was inconclusive. Multiple studies have been conducted in this area with varying results. Further research is required to identify whether heavy drinking is associated with the onset of Macular Degeneration
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SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS |
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- The following publications by the Centre for Eye Research Australia provide detailed information about the social and economic impact of MD on the Australian community.
- The following link addresses the issue of depression among people with MD.
- The first ever qualitative research on patient perspectives on quality of life with AMD. Patients report the anguish of delayed diagnosis, slow referrals and poor access to the latest treatments. Europe - AMD Alliance international.
- The following paper is a review of literature on the quality of life among people with MD.
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OTHER RELEVANT AUSTRALIAN PUBLICATIONS |
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 Department of Health and Aging Reports
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Macular Degeneration Foundation Research
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LINKS TO OTHER RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS |
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