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A long-term study of patients receiving gene therapy shows positive results.¹ Researcher Dr. Robert Maclaren published a letter in the New England Journal of Medicine indicating that 5 out of the 6 patients with a rare genetic eye disease either improved or stayed the same after treatment. This may lead to approval of gene therapy for Choroideremia. This type of research may ultimately result in the approval of gene therapy for other more common eye diseases.

Men with Choroideremia have a defective
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A large study has found no association between prior cataracts surgery and the development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD).¹ This study supports the long-term safety and low possibility of side-effects from replacing a cataract-damaged lens with an artificial lens.

Both cataracts and ARMD are eye diseases associated with ageing. By the age of 75, 50% of Americans have cataracts.² It affects 24+ million Americans over age 39. Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration affects 1-in-10 eighty-year-olds; 9+ million Americans age 50 and up have the disease in early or late stages.
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Aflibercept is currently a treatment for wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), but it may also prove useful for patients with dry AMD.

The researchers accidentally discovered that an anti-placental growth factor antibody could provide retinal protection for the dry form of Macular Degeneration. They tried using a known protein called placental growth factor (PlGF) on a simulation of wet AMD in animal tissues. The PIGF made the retinal cells worse. So, they tried an anti-PlGF antibody treatment. This treatment provided protection against retinal damage.

Aflibercept is an anti-PlGF antibody treatment. It is used
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A small study on glaucoma patients found that relaxation music temporarily improved certain measurements associated with this eye disease. Specifically, daily intraocular pressure was significantly reduced, and best corrected visual acuity improved. Also, short-term mental state was improved.

The beneficial effects of certain types of music are well-documented. Soothing music that helps the listener relax has been found to reduce indicators of stress, such as faster recovery from a stressor, the
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Rod-Cone Dystrophy is a genetically-based deterioration of vision caused by damage to the photoreceptors in the eye. Rods and cones are the photoreceptor cells in the retina that give us daytime and night time vision. Genes that provide the blueprint for manufacturing proteins crucial to the eye’s rods and cones are damaged. Without enough of these proteins, vision deteriorates and blindness may result.

Much of the current research into rod-cone dystrophy is focused on genetic research. Scientists are busy identifying the faulty genes and how they function. Stem cells or other genetic therapy offers hope for a treatment and possibly cure in the future. In the meantime, nutritional and lifestyle choices may
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In the United States, cataract surgery is widely available. Cataracts mostly affects seniors. Even though the surgery is common with little risk of side-effects, some patients want to hold off on the surgery or avoid it completely. Preliminary research on certain eye drops designed to address cataracts may offer hope to these patients.

Cataracts is a clouding of the lens of the eye. It is caused by oxidative damage from ultraviolet light (UV) exposure over time. Initial symptoms include blurred, clouded
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An animal study has shown gene therapy to be effective even in the later stages of retinitis pigmentosa, which gives hope to more patients of this often inherited condition. This eye disease affects approximately 1 in 4,000 people. Up to 20% of these patients have X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. These individuals, mostly male, have night blindness before they enter puberty, and gradual vision loss by middle age. Around 70% of them have a genetic mutation that prevents the correct production of a protein important for the health of the photo receptors.

The study looked at dogs who naturally
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Yoga is generally considered a perfect exercise for overall health; however, head-down positions may be harmful to glaucoma patients. A small study at a yoga studio found that positions that put the head downward increased intraocular pressure. The positions studied were Adho Mukha Svanasana, Uttanasana, Halasana and Viparita Kirani.

Intraocular pressure is associated with glaucoma, a serious and degenerative eye disease.  During a standard eye exam, this pressure is often used as a screening.
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There are often toxins in cosmetics and personal care items that you use daily. 87% of likely voters in 2016 want better regulation of personal care products.  The cosmetics, cleansers, shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, sun-screens, skin treatments and whatever else we might put on our skin, hair or nails often contain toxins.  We absorb toxins through our skin so this is important.  Of course, some people are more sensitive than others, but even so it is a good idea to pay attention when we shop.

Add this quick list to your wallet or smartphone.

FDA Categories

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Scientists are putting significant focus on Age-Related Macular Degeneration in their research. This eye disease strikes mostly older adults, over aged 50. The “Baby Boomer” generation is well above age 50, as are their living parents. Understanding the causes and potential treatments for Macular Denegation (ARMD) are important, because vision-impaired elderly people need extra help with their daily activities. Also, quality of life is lowered when vision is poor.

The macula is a tiny yellowish spot in the back of the eye, on the retina. It allows for central vision. Central vision is possible because of the macula. If it breaks down, reading, writing, watching TV, cooking, driving and even facial recognition are impaired. Macular Degeneration is degenerative, meaning that it gets worse over time.

ARMD comes in two forms. The more common
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