Research to Prevent Blindness

Statins May Treat Dry AMD

Left: before statin treatment; right: same patient, one year after statin treatment. Photo: Harvard University

RPB-supported researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School and scientists at University of Crete have conducted a phase I/II clinical trial investigating the efficacy of statins (cholesterol-lowering medications) for the treatment of patients with the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Although effective treatments are available for the wet form of AMD, they are currently lacking for the more prevalent dry form.

The researchers found evidence that treatment with high-dose atorvastatin (80mg) is associated with regression of lipid deposits and improvement in visual acuity, without progression to advanced disease, in high-risk AMD patients.

February 5, 2016

Macular Degeneration

Top Story

Related News: Feature Story, Macular Degeneration, Top Story

New Grants for Big Data Research to Improve Vision Care

Research to Prevent Blindness Opens Applications for Vision Research Grants

The awards offered cover a wide variety of topics in vision science, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinal diseases, and many more.

Vision Research Funding Partnership Event Takes Place Today

Leaders of organizations that fund vision research convene in Washington, D.C. to increase collaboration and maximize the impact of research funding for sight-threatening diseases.

Research to Prevent Blindness and Alcon Award Glaucoma Grant

Dr. Alex Huang of the University of California San Diego School of Medicine will study glaucoma filtration surgeries with the aim of improving surgical success for lowering eye pressure and providing neuroprotection.

Researchers Build An “Aging Clock” To Help Treat Eye Disease

The new way to measure ocular aging opens treatment avenues for numerous eye diseases.

Research to Prevent Blindness and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Award Big Data Research Grants for Improved Patient Care

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) today announced the 2023 recipients of the RPB/AAO Award for IRIS Registry Research.