Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60 and affects huge numbers of people throughout the world. One of the most devastating aspects of this disease is that it currently has no cure. Furthermore, damage caused will be permanent in many cases, meaning that if you don’t realise you have the condition, your vision loss could be very severe, and affect a patient for many years.

Exciting new developments have led to innovations, which could make a real difference to people who suffer with conditions relating to macular degeneration.

Many therapies which are currently being trialed in the United States focus on microRNAs. RNA is a similar chemical substance to DNA, but its function is different. RNA is specifically used to read the genetic code in DNA, which makes it essential to innumerable bodily functions. It sends messages between DNA and the proteins it builds, but also works to turn certain genes on and off. MicroRNA controls chains of other RNA, making it great for solving issues in neurodegenerative disorders.

Researchers at the John Curtin School of Medical Research noticed that sufferers of AMD have almost none of microRNA ‘124’, which is normally the most prevalent in the retina. By targeting the retina, and resupplying the eye with this essential substance, early studies show promising signs of regained strength and reliability of a damaged macula.

RNA therapies related to Macular Degeneration show signs of long-term benefits, without the need for continuous invasive injections and surgeries.

While it may take a little while before treatments like these are readily available to us, the changes in modern ocular medicine are truly amazing, and we will share updates with our Serious Readers family as soon as they arise.

Sources:

1. Pubmed.Gov.
2. RetinalPhysician.
3. WebMD.
4. National Human Genome Research Institute.
5. Medline Plus.
6. TedTalk by Josh Chu-Tan.
7. BJP - British Journal of Pharmacology, via PMC.
8. Nature.