AMD
Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
AMD occurs when the macula, the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision, degenerates with age.
Aging and age-related disorders arise from the cumulative, long-term damage associated with free-radical production along with a simultaneous decline in antioxidant defences. AMD, retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma are orphan of treatment.
There are two prominent varieties of AMD, “dry” AMD and “wet” AMD. The most common is dry AMD, representing about 70-80% of cases.
Cerium Oxide
Cerium is a rare earth element that, in its oxide form, has biomedical potential and has been proven to remove oxidative stress in cases of metabolic imbalances.
Researchers at the Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital have developed “luCeria”, an eyedrop formulation containing cerium oxide in nanoparticle form, that has shown potential for treating AMD.
Laboratory trials on animals have shown luCeria to work effectively, stopping and reversing vision loss.
The key factor in the effectiveness of this treatment is the small size (approx. 3nm) of the cerium oxide, which has been shown to pass through the external barriers and reach the interior segment of the eye, and the retina.