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THE MAGNIFIER - Electronic Newsletter
Issue #14, November 19, 2002
Produced by:
Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 531313 Henderson, NV 89053
http://www.eyesight.org
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ATP RESEARCH
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is
described as the universal energy carrier in the living cell. The German chemist Karl Lohmann discovered ATP in 1929. ATP functions as a carrier of energy in all living organisms from bacteria and fungi to plants and animals
including humans. ATP captures the chemical energy released by the combustion of nutrients and transfers it to reactions that require energy, e.g. the building up of cell components, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve
messages and many other functions.
We have added an article to our RESEARCH section that describes in very technical terms how this enzyme is believed to function. Some scientists believe that ATP is worth further study and
that a better understanding of its role in connection with the eye may someday contribute to a treatment for macular degeneration.
http://www.eyesight.org/Research/Research-ATP/research-atp.html
AOL Users: <a
href="http://www.eyesight.org/Research/Research-ATP/research-atp.html">ATP Research</a>
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CHARLES BONNET SYNDROME
You're 75 years old with failing
eyesight. One day you begin having vivid hallucinations; seeing trees, people, animals or buildings where they don't belong. Is it delirium, schizophrenia, a drug reaction, a stroke, early Alzheimer's, or is it Charles
Bonnet Syndrome? Here are two sources that help to explain this strange and interesting condition.
http://www.rnib.org.uk/info/cbsfin.htm
AOL Users: <a
href="http://www.rnib.org.uk/info/cbsfin.htm">Charles Bonnet Syndrome</a>
http://www.geri.com/geriatrics/data/articlestandard/geriatrics/232002/21083/article.pdf
AOL Users: <a
href="http://www.geri.com/geriatrics/data/articlestandard/geriatrics/232002/21083/article. pdf">Charles Bonnet Syndrome</a>
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REQUEST FOR LINKS TO WEB SITES IN OTHER COUNTRIES
We are looking for resources on the Internet outside of the United States, both English and foreign language, that discuss macular degeneration, what researchers are studying
in that country regarding treatments for macular degeneration and web sites that are of general interest to those with low vision.
Our goal is to add county-specific information to our web site. Please
email keith@eyesight.org with your suggestions. Also, if you have translation skills and would like to volunteer your services, please let us know.
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RETIRED OPHTHALMOLOGISTS
While researchers work to develop effective treatments for the various forms of macular degeneration, there exists a need to support the growing population of individuals touched by this
disease. We are looking for retired Ophthalmologists who are willing to contribute suggestions based on their years of experience serving the needs of people coping with low vision.
Retired ophthalmologists who are
willing to spend some of their retirement time in this way are invited to contact us at magnifier@eyesight.org .
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STUDY DEMONSTRATES ROLE OF ZEAXANTHIN IN EYE HEALTH
Research at the Schepens Eye Research Institute and Harvard Medical School has demonstrated that zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zan'-thin), an antioxidant nutrient found in fruits and vegetables, prevents light-damage causing death of retinal
cells.
These animal model studies provide significant support to a growing body of science showing that zeaxanthin; one of only two carotenoids found in the human retina, plays an essential role in protecting vision. These
results, and evidence associating reduced risk for AMD with higher dietary consumption of zeaxanthin and lutein, together with evidence that eyes with AMD have lower concentrations of these carotenoids in their retina, lead the
researchers to believe that future clinical trials may show that zeaxanthin can help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, the most prevalent cause of blindness in the elderly.
These studies appear in the
November 2002 issues of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (IOVS) and Experimental Eye Research. Details of this study and supplementary expert commentary are available on our website at:
http://www.eyesight.org/Research/Research-Zeaxanthin/research-zeaxanthin.html
AOL Users: <a href="http://www.eyesight.org/Research/Research-Zeaxanthin/research-zeaxanthin.html ">Zeaxanthin Study</a>
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The MAGNIFIER is sent without charge. Contributions are appreciated and may be sent in care of the Macular Degeneration Research Fund, P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, NV 89053
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Subscribers who wish to cancel their subscription or change their email address may visit: http://www.eyesight.org/Newsletter/newsletter.html .
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