Age-Related Macular Degeneration Research & Future Treatments | AMD & Low Vision Awareness Month

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults over 50. Currently, there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration. However, research is currently underway that may change that in the future. Doctors are continuing to study the causes of AMD and develop ways to intervene in the changes to the macula that lead to the condition.
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Since the exact cause of AMD is not fully understood, researchers are taking various approaches to developing treatments. Everything from the role of inflammation to lipids in the blood is being investigated. Here we provide a summary of some of the latest AMD research and possible future treatments.
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Anti-VEGF Injections for Wet AMD

People who have wet AMD are thought to have an overproduction of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF, in excess, may cause the abnormal growth of blood vessels or leakage of vessels, both of which can damage the macula and lead to central vision loss. Anti-VEGF drugs work by inhibiting the formation of abnormal blood vessels and stopping leakage. The drugs are administered through an intraocular injection. Research is continuing in this area, including the development of longer lasting delivery mechanisms, and the development of other agents to inhibit angiogenesis.
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AREDS2 Vitamins

People with early dry age-related macular degeneration may be treated with a combination of antioxidant vitamins. Although research is ongoing, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) indicated that a specific formulation of supplements might decrease the risk of vision loss in people with early to moderate AMD.
 
The combination of vitamins currently recommended is called the AREDS2 formula and consists of the following:

• 500 mg of vitamin C
• 400 IU of vitamin E
• 25 mg of zinc
• 1000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (650 mg EPA and 350 mg DHA)
• 10 mg lutein

• 2 mg zeaxanthin

 
While this is the formulation that was studied, you should always speak with your ophthalmologist before starting new supplements and when determining the formula of supplements that is right for you and your eyes.
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Immune System & Anti-Inflammatory Therapies

Several studies have indicated a connection between AMD and inflammation. Inflammation can develop as part of the immune system response. While an inflammatory response can be useful to fight off bacteria and viruses, inflammation may damage healthy cells in our bodies, including in the retina. One specific part of the immune system response called the complement cascade may be involved in damage to the retina in AMD.
 
Clinical trials are being conducted to determine the effectiveness of different drugs to inhibit certain proteins involved in the complement cascade. Research continues on drugs to decrease the harmful effects of inflammation, while still allowing the body to fight off infection.
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Cell Transplantation

Early clinical trials are being conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of cell transplantation to treat AMD. The trials involve transplanting retinal pigment epithelial cells under the retina. Retinal pigment epithelial cells play a role in maintaining the health of photoreceptor cells in the retina. The theory is retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) degenerate in AMD. The degeneration of the RPE cells causes photoreceptors cells in the macula to die, which contributes to the loss of central vision. By transplanting RPE cells, the hope is to prevent the photoreceptors from dying and subsequent vision loss.

Removing Amyloid Beta Protein

Amyloid beta is a protein found in the body. The accumulation of this protein is associated with the development of a few diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and amyloidosis. Researchers are studying whether excess amyloid beta proteins may have a role in the development of AMD. Early research in mice is underway to develop ways to remove the amyloid protein.
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Decreasing Blood Lipids

​It is thought that increased lipid buildup in the blood may contribute to the development of AMD. Drusen are small, white or yellow deposits that can develop under the retina. The deposits are made up of protein, lipids and cholesterol.  Drusen accumulation is the hallmark of dry AMD and increase a person’s risk of developing vision loss. Studies are underway to investigate the effectiveness of drugs that control lipids in treating people with dry age-related macular degeneration.
 
As indicated, the possible future treatments for AMD discussed above are at different stages in their development. Some treatments have been tested on mice and are in the early stages to determine effectiveness and safety. Other treatments have been conducted on small groups of people with varying results. Although in some cases additional studies are needed, the good news is that many new treatment approaches show promise. Researchers are hopeful that effective treatment options for AMD that prevent vision loss are on the horizon.
 
In the meantime, following your eye doctor’s recommendations for having regular eye exams is essential to diagnose AMD as early as possible, as well as for treatment if you have already been diagnosed with AMD. Being vigilant is essential to preserving vision and minimizing vision loss. If you have any questions or you would like to schedule an exam or appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.
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