Warning signs of sight loss could be identified before vision
deteriorates

Date:
December 9, 2021
Source:
University of Southampton
Summary:
A new study has shown that the signs of age related macular
degeneration can set in earlier than previously thought -- even
before patients begin to lose their sight. The findings open the
door for research into earlier treatment that could help slow down
the onset of the condition the most common cause of sight loss in
the western world.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A new study has shown that the signs of age related macular degeneration
can set in earlier than previously thought -- even before patients begin
to lose their sight. The findings open the door for research into earlier treatment that could help slow down the onset of the condition the most
common cause of sight loss in the western world.


==========================================================================
A research team led by the University of Southampton with colleagues at
King's College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital looked at the records
of over 30,000 patients who had retinal scans and genetic data stored in
the UK Biobank. There are 34 known genetic risk factors for age related
macular degeneration (AMD) and the scientists were able to compare the
retinal measurements of those with the risk factors to those without.

The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, showed that
the participants with healthy eyes and no history of AMD had thinner
retinas if they carried the genes that put them at risk.

Andrew Lotery, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of
Southampton, who led the study, along with Prof Pirro Hysi at King's
College London and Mr Praveen Patel at Moorfields Eye Hospital, said,
"At the moment most treatments for AMD only start when patients already
have severe problems with their eyesight so it is really important
that we understand more about what causes it. These results help us
understand the very early stages of the disease, before it is clinically apparent. If we can intervene at an earlier stage, we are more likely to
be able to preserve sight." Previous research has not fully explained
which cells in the eye are affected by AMD first. Further examination of
the retinal scans in biobank showed that the photoreceptors, which sense
light in the eyes, were also thinner for patients with the genetic risk factors. The research team advise this gives them further understanding
of the early stages and will help identify which cells should be targeted
in further research.

Whilst further trials will still be needed to identify treatment, being
able to identify the signs of AMD earlier would allow individuals to
make lifestyle changes that can put them at a higher risk of losing
their vision earlier.

"Changing to a Mediterranean style diet, exercising more and stopping
smoking can help prevent he progression of the disease," Professor
Lotery added. "These findings can also help us refine participants in
future clinical trials so we can include patients who are most at risk,"
he added.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Southampton. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Rebecca A. Kaye, Karina Patasova, Praveen J. Patel, Pirro Hysi,
Andrew J.

Lotery, Praveen J. Patel, Pirro Hysi, Andrew J. Lotery. Macular
thickness varies with age-related macular degeneration genetic
risk variants in the UK Biobank cohort. Scientific Reports, 2021;
11 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41598- 021-02631-2 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211209095603.htm

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