Possible new therapy for macular degeneration

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have discovered that a specific inflammatory component known as IL-18 plays a key role in the development of age-related macular degeneration. Details of the study are published in Nature Medicine. Using human eyes that were donated for medical research as well as testing animal subjects, researchers discovered that the accumulation of drusen can produce IL-18 and the IL-18 can prevent the dry form of AMD to progressing into the wet form. The study results indicate that by controlling or possibly increasing the amount of IL-18 in the retinas of those who have dry AMD that it could prevent the development of the wet form. Researchers are hopeful and excited about the possibility of a new therapy in treating macular degeneration.