Tag: cure

Millions of people could have their eyesight saved thanks to ground-breaking laser treatment that has the potential to eradicate the most common cause of blindness.

One of Britain’s leading eye experts has developed a technique to reverse the disabling effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which leaves many older people unable to read, drive or live independently, and eventually robs them of sight in one or both eyes.

Professor John Marshall has developed a way of “cleaning” eyes which, due to the ageing process, have accumulated tiny particles of debris which start to cloud their sight. His pioneering technique uses a painless “short pulse” laser to solve the otherwise intractable problem of how to help the eye’s waste disposal system do its job after it has been weakened by age.

Marshall, a senior ophthalmologist at King’s College London, said he hopes this “retinal regeneration therapy” could prevent and reverse the onset of AMD.

The technique works by rejuvenating a thin membrane behind the retina, called Bruch’s membrane. Over time this membrane becomes so “clogged” with the by-product of cell renewal that vital nutrients can no longer cross from the bloodstream into the retina and excess material becomes trapped, unable to pass in the other direction. This leads to the death of retinal cells and, in time, to AMD and eventual blindness.

Marshall’s technique promises to prevent and even reverse the process, allowing the eye to return to something like its youthful, uncluttered state. In a clinical trial involving more than 100 diabetics, Marshall found that focusing a laser beam on one part of the retina helps stimulate the release of enzymes, which then set about cleaning up the waste material. Participants reported this led to a marked improvement in their sight.

Marshall now plans to conduct a wider trial among those suffering the early stages of AMD. In most cases the “clogging” begins when people reach their mid-40s, but does not always lead to significant sight loss. Some are more at risk, because of a number of factors in addition to their age. These include genetics – such as a family history of AMD. Women are more likely to suffer, and environmental factors can play a part, with smokers at greater risk….

Source for complete article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/jul/05/blindness-laser-cure-amd

Running in a marathon? Trying a triathlon? Want to host a swim-a-thon?

If you’re competing in a race, Race to Cure Blindness!

Race to Cure Blindness is a free fundraising program where participants utilize a marathon, triathlon, bike race, or other racing event as a platform to raise money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

If you would like to use your racing efforts to raise money for the Foundation, the Race to Cure Blindness is an excellent way to make your participation more meaningful and motivate you when the going gets tough. Just ask Stuart Frantz who raised over $30,000 through his participation in the ING Georgia Marathon using Race to Cure Blindness. Stuart felt compelled to do something as he watched his friend Dan’s life very suddenly and dramatically change after begin diagnosed with a retinal degenerative disease. “I was very happy to finish the marathon,” says Stuart, “but most important, I am hopeful that one day the money we raised will finish the race to find a cure for Dan.” Read Stuart’s full Story of Hope here.

And it’s not just for runners! Maybe you are on a bowling league that is organizing a bowl-a-thon. A new mom or dad who would like to participate in a stroller-a-thon? Even kids can join us by organizing a hop-a-thon or dance marathon at their school.

Race to Cure Blindness is uniting people all across the country in a very worthy cause…to further the mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. We hope you’ll join us!

Visit www.RacetoCureBlindness.org to view our list of upcoming races. If you don’t see your race listed, contact your local Foundation Fighting Blindness Office or call 888-683-5555 and we will post if for you.