Normal vs. AMD vision
A natomy of the Eye
Wet AMD is a leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in the adult population. In the United States, more than 1.6 million adults suffer from wet AMD and 200,000 new cases of wet AMD are reported each year. A majority of wet AMD patients experience dramatic vision loss within months after diagnosis. Because AMD generally affects adults over 50 years of age, the incidence of AMD will increase as the baby-boom generation ages and life expectancy increases. The National Eye Institute estimates that by 2030, 2.8 million Americans will suffer from visual impairment as a result of AMD.
Normal vs. AMD Eye Structure
Macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth behind a specific region of the retina, the macula. The retina is the part of the eye that contains the nerves that communicate everything we see to the brain. The macula controls our central vision which enables us to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail. It does not involve peripheral vision.
The abnormal growth of blood vessels leads to distortion of the macula, blood and protein leakage, and formation of scar tissue all which interfere with the use of the macula.
Several treatment options for wet AMD are available but each has its disadvantages. In fact, not one is so effective that it obviates the need for additional drugs to treat AMD. The advantage of LD22-4 lies in the unique mechanism by which it manages the cause of AMD, the inhibition of cell migration. AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth behind the macula. Blood vessels are formed by endothelial cells and formation of new blood vessels (also called angiogenesis) depends in part on the migration of endothelial cells from existing blood vessels to a new area. By inhibiting endothelial cell migration, blood vessel formation can be blocked and the progression of AMD and vision impairment can be stopped.