LOW VISION ...IN THE NEWS
Factor H
Recently released research suggests that gene mutation identification may lead to preventing age-related macular degeneration in millions of people.
According to National Eye Institute Director Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., "Nine million people have clinical signs of AMD...and the newly identified 'strongly associated' gene variant, Complement Factor H (CFH) on chromosome 1, may be its cause." He discussed this at a symposium that featured the findings of four independent National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists and research grantee teams.
Among them was Albert Edwards, M.D., Ph.D., a Dallas retina researcher who presented his findings. After studying three generations of family members with AMD and identifying its locus on chromosome 1, he reported a 46 percent high risk of early AMD (e-AMD) in this group. Other researchers found similar links between AMD and this inherited pattern of genetic variants in the Factor H gene, which is involved with helping regulate immune defense against infections.
By BY 2030...
According to Prevent Blindness America's "Vision Problems Action Plan 2004": "By 2030, the number of blind and visually impaired will double if nothing is done to curb vision problems."
The bottom line? "Though half of all blindness can be prevented," reports Prevent Blindness America, "the number of Americans who suffer from vision loss continues to increase."
Vitameatavegamin. Not!
V
itamins have come a long way since the "I Love Lucy" episode when Lucy asked, "Are you tired, rundown, listless? Do you poop out at parties?" But determining correct dosages is even more confusing than it was back then.
Several recent media reports have included the recommendations
of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). Here's the combination and daily dosages
the study recommends: 500mg vitamin C, 15mg vitamin E, 15mg beta-carotene, 80mg
zinc, and 2mg of copper. Though results are several years down the road, NEI has announced
a trial to determine what level of lutein should be added to the mix.
PSA
is Launched
The
Vision Council of America's Check Yearly. See Clearly. program has just released
a print public service announcement (PSA) about low vision to 7,000 media outlets.
It encourages family members and caregivers of individuals with low vision to see
an eyecare professional and directs them to the low vision section of its Website
(www.checkyearly.com/lowvision) and to a new low vision hotline (800-455-8006).
VCA's Low Vision Division will also spread the word by distributing customized ad
slicks to their customers.
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