Researchers find possible new cause of age-related macular degeneration

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified another possible causal factor in the development of age-related macular degeneration.

This discovery differs from previous findings that had pointed to a problematic immune system. The new findings point to the structural organization of the photoreceptor cells within the eye are affected by macular degeneration.

Study results were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Following up on previous studies, which found that the protein complement factor H played a role in several macular degeneration cases, researchers used roundworms and human retina tissue to conduct their studies.

Researchers found that complement factor H plays a role in maintaining the organization of photoreceptor cilia and this process may be malfunctioning in age-related macular degeneration. 

Additional research is needed to determine whether it will be possible to reorganize the photoreceptor cilia and restore their function. 

While there are no therapies available to treat dry macular degeneration, VisiVite offers a full line of AREDS 2 supplements to help in supporting macular degeneration.