Macular Pigment Research Group receives funding for AMD research

The Macular Pigment Research Group (MPRG), based at the Waterford Institute of Technology, has received a grant of €300,000 from the Medical Research Charities Group to carry out the first long-term study into age related macular degeneration (AMD) in Ireland.

The study will look at more than 1,000 people aged between 40 and 60 over a period of 20-25 years. This research will provide MPRG with baseline data that will then be included in the world’s first longitudinal study investigating whether macular pigment is protective against AMD, one of the main causes of blindness in the Western World.

One of the leading research centres

MPRG is the only research organisation of its type in Ireland, and is one of the leading research centres studying macular pigment in the world. The organisation seeks to enhance the current understanding of AMD, with emphasis on the role that nutrition might play in the prevention, delay, or modification of the disease.

Blue light is believed to contribute to the development of AMD by attacking the cells in the retina. However, macular pigment absorbs this damaging blue light. The pigment comes from organic chemicals called carotenoids, which are found in food. Fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins C and E and carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which researchers believe may help to protect the macula.
Other studies currently being undertaken by the MPRG include:

CARMA ‘Celtic Age-Related Macular Degeneration’ Study

The CARMA study is aimed at sufferers of Age-Related Maculopathy (ARM), the early stage of AMD.

CARMA is a randomised controlled clinical trial for sufferers of ARM, and is approved by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB). The purpose of this study is to discover if progression to AMD may be delayed, or even prevented, through supplementation with key vitamins, minerals and carotenoids.

Alcon Study

It has been suggested that the ALCON Blue-filtering Intraocular Lens may be protective against the development of age-related macular degeneration due to the fact that it filters out blue-light.

This study will recruit 44 healthy volunteers, between the ages of 55-80 years, who are undergoing cataract surgery at the Waterford Regional Hospital. Each volunteer will be examined before and after surgery, and at three follow-up visits, spanning a one-year period.

Weight Loss & Macular Pigment

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of controlled weight loss on macular pigment optical density and serum concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin (the two carotenoids which make up macular pigment)

As outlined above, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may increase levels of macular pigment. However, as body fat also stores this pigment, the eye has to compete with fat to obtain this important dietary pigment. Therefore, if a person loses body fat, his/her macular pigment should increase, which in turn should provide protection against age-related blindness (most notably, age-related macular degeneration).

This study will recruit 120 volunteers over the age 18 with a body mass index (BMI) greater or equal to 30.

AMD Fact File

What is AMD?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative, retinal eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral, or side, vision intact. Early detection is key so that options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services can be administered early enough to make the greatest impact. AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness for people over the age of 55 in the Western world.

There are two forms of AMD:

Dry AMD is the more common form of the disease. Yellow fatty deposits collect in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, causing vision loss in varying degrees.

Wet AMD is less common but those affected by it have a greater chance of experiencing severe sight loss. Abnormal, leaky blood vessels develop in the macula and the resulting scar tissue may cause irreversible blind spots.

Early detection

In the early stages, central vision may be blurred or distorted, with objects looking an unusual size or shape. This may happen quickly or develop over several months. You may be sensitive to light or actually see lights that are not there. This may cause some discomfort occasionally, but otherwise macular degeneration is not painful.

The macula enables you to see fine detail and people with the advanced condition will often notice a blank patch or dark spot in the centre of their sight. This makes activities like reading, writing and recognising small objects or faces very difficult.

Early detection is vital in the fight against AMD and it is important to have regular eye exams. An early diagnosis may mean that treatment can prevent further deterioration of the remaining vision.

AMD Treatments

Macugen

Macugen is used to treat wet AMD and became available in Ireland in June 2006. The drug targets VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor), a protein that triggers the formation of abormal blood vessels and fluid leakage, the characteristics of wet AMD. It has been found to prevent further deterioriation of sight. Treatment with Macugen requires one injection administered every six weeks. Injections are continued as long as patients benefit for a maximum of two years.

Lucentis

Current information indicates that Lucentis will be licensed in the UK and Ireland by the end of January 2007, it is due to be launched in Ireland in mid February. Lucentis was specifically developed for intraocular use in the eye to treat the underlying cause of wet AMD and is designed to bind and inhibit VEGF-A, a protein that is believed to play a critical role in the formation of new blood vessels.

Tests have shown that Lucentis slowed vision loss in 95% of respondents, while 70% actually experienced some improved vision. Lucentis is injected into the eye by an ophthalmologist trained to do this procedure in a hospital environment.

Avastin

Avastin is another anti-VEGF treatment which was originally developed for bowel and colon cancer treatment. Some patients with early stage wet AMD receiving treatment for cancer reported improvements in their vision.

Avastin is licensed for treatment in patients with colon cancer in Ireland, but not as a treatment for wet AMD, although it is currently being used by ophthalmic specialists. It is also injected into the eye.