Fed: laser may be used to halt vision loss

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2000
Fed: laser may be used to halt vision loss

Researchers say a new laser technique may be able to prevent the most common form of
age-related vision loss.

Age-related macular degeneration is already treated with lasers to seal leaky blood
vessels, but usually after some damage has been done.

Central vision -- vital for reading, driving and recognising faces -- becomes hampered
when a layer of abnormal fatty deposits accumulates behind the retina.

The build-up stimulates the production of blood vessels which, if untreated, seep and
cause blindness.

Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital retinal consultant Dr ROBYN GUYMER has enrolled 60 patients
in an international trial of the early treatment.

Meanwhile the hunt is on to isolate the gene which causes the condition, already known
to run in families.

Dr GUYMER says a better understanding of the central vision loss mad lead to the development
of an animal model to study problems behind the retina.

People aged over 50 years should have their eyes examined because 13 per cent will
have early signs of the disease.

AAP RTV rr/geb/gmw/jn

KEYWORD: EYES (BRISBANE)

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