The Role Of Reduced Phagocytosis In The Pathogenesis Of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$786,742.00
Summary
Understanding the underlying mechanisms which lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is critical if we are to ultimately develop novel treatments. We hypothesise that there is a defective ability to remove debris that accumulates in the retina as we age and this is a crucial step in the development of AMD. We will investigate this hypothesis in an AMD cohort and in a pre-clinical model where we will test the efficacy of an intervention that improves the ability to clear debris.
Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Cause And A Cure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$828,300.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss and there is urgent need for an intervention to slow disease progression. AMD is characterised by debris accumulation in the retina and I will investigate if loss of function in cells that should clear this debris is a critical step in the development of AMD. I will trial a novel laser intervention to slow progression of disease and use basic science techniques to investigate the mechanisms of action of the laser.
A Nanosecond Laser Based Surgical Treatment To Prevent Progression To Vision Loss In Early Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$813,481.00
Summary
We aim to conduct a trial of a new nano-laser based treatment for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) which, if successful in slowing progression of AMD, will lead to a dramatic reduction in vision loss in our community. AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people 50 years and older in Australia. The successful outcome will postpone vision loss, benefiting many thousands of Australians, and result in substantial healthcare savings.
The Role Of EphA2 Signalling And Environmental Modifiers In Cataract.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,547.00
Summary
In cataract the clear lens in the eye becomes opaque causing blindness. Cataract is very common in the elderly, but is rarely also seen in babies and children. In babies certain gene defects, and in the elderly the genes and environmental factors contribute to cataract. The EPHA2 gene causes cataract in both young and old people. This project aims to understand how EPHA2 and other related genes cause cataract in young and old people, to prevent, delay or improve its treatment in the future.
Predictors Of Treatment Outcomes Following Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Therapy For Neovascular AMD.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,277.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe, irreversible loss of vision amongst elderly populations in the developed world. Bleeding in the retina destroys central vision. New treatments have been developed to stop this bleeding. However not all patients benefit equally, with some still losing vision. This project aims to investigate what determines how well an individual responds to treatment, in particular, how genes might influence the response.