Age-related macula degeneration

AO/FRS [dietary vitamin protects visual macula by absorbing blue light] active against age-related macula degeneration (leading cause of irreversible blindness)... 

Schalch, W. (2001). Possible contribution of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids of the macula lutea, to reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration A review. HKJ Ophthalmology 4 31—42. 

Hahn, P, Milam, AH, and Dunaief, JL, 2003. Maculas affected by age-related macular degeneration contain increased chelatable iron in the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch s membrane. Arch Ophthalmol 121, 1099-1105. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of irreversible blindness in the Western world and affects 20% of people older than 65 years (Krinsky and others 2003). The macula, or yellow spot, is part of the retina and is the area of maximum visual... 

Suzuki, M. et al. Oxidized phospholipids in the macula increase with age and in eyes with age-related macular degeneration. Mo/. Vis. 13(2007) 772-8. 

In contrast, epidemiologic studies relating the intake of lutein and zeoxanthin with decreased incidence of age-related macular degeneration have received progressive support. These two carotenoids are concentrated in the macula (the central portion of the retina) and are called the macular carotenoids. 

Two essential carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, play an important role in the visual process. For the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), knowledge of the isomeric composition within the macula is of particular interest [7], Full assignment of isomeric configuration is possible by the registration of two-dimensional proton-proton correlated NMR spectra. Figure 7-7 shows, as an example, the COSY stopped-flow NMR spectrum of all-trans zeaxanthin isolated from ox retina. 

Age-related macular degeneration accounts for about half of all registerable visual impairments in the United Kingdom. It typically results in the loss of central vision (see Figure 41.1). Since most of the color receptors are in the macula (the central area of the retina), those with macular degeneration see colors less vividly. 

Perhaps the most important application of vascular PDT is the treatment of the wet form of Age-related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD) [19, 20], the disease characterised by overproliferation of the blood vessels in the macula, behind the retina. This abnormal growth of blood vessels causes bleeding and scarring, and leads to loss of central vision in patients. Wet AMD is cmrently the most common source of blindness in the Caucasian popoulation over 60. The photosensitiser verteporlin (trade name Visudyne ), Fig. 9.3, is clinically approved for the treatment of wet AMD, and several other sensitisers (e.g. lutetimn texaphyrin known as... 

Lutein A xanthophyll or hydroxylated Uposoluble carotenoid (C40H56O2) found in cereal grains with proven antioxidant and nutraceutical properties. Lutein is one of the two carotenoids contained within the retina of the eye, spedficaUy associated with the macula. Therefore, it is used with zeaxanthin to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), especially in geriatric people. Lutein has... 

Laser endoscopic photochemotherapy has been proposed for noncancer applications, such as the treatment of age-related degenerate macula. Another example is photodynamic laser angioplasty, which would be used to treat coronary artery disease. Other examples are the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, in orthopedics, and the... 

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