The Macular Society have just sent out their May update newsletter. Below are the headlines, plus intro – you can read the full newsletter here.
Welcome to your May e-newsletter. Thank you for joining us once again. Despite spring now being in full swing, we’re still finding ourselves wrapping up warm and bracing ourselves for wind, rain and even hailstones. Hopefully some warmer (and sunnier) temperatures are around the corner for us all to enjoy and we can put our winter clothes away for a little while!
Read on to find out about an exciting discovery from researchers in the USA, learn how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patient John continues to enjoy writing poetry and painting, and find out about how you can help research into the use of AI in eye healthcare.
If you missed our My Macular and Me webinar last month, you can catch up on the answers to some of your key questions from the session. And, you can test your knowledge; do you know the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
Thank you for continuing to be a part of this valued community and stay tuned for more next month, as Macular Week (24 – 30 June) fast approaches. We’ll keep across the latest developments in all thing macular and continue to share them with you each month.
New study identifies 87 genes linked to AMD
Researchers at the National Eye Institute in the USA have discovered 87 genes in retinal cells that could be affected by environmental factors. These factors were revealed to potentially influence the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Optometry vs ophthalmology – your questions answered
Are you familiar with the distinction between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, and how each professional can support you? Optometrist Yuan Gao and consultant ophthalmic surgeon and retinal specialist, Rashmi Akshikar answered your biggest questions at April’s My Macular and Me webinar.
“You can accomplish anything you want, regardless of having a visual impairment”
Victoria was diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the age of 11. As part of a new series of short films, she shares her experiences of learning more about her condition and not letting her sight loss hold her back. Victoria also reveals her tips for remaining independent, as she overcomes the challenges of work and motherhood.
Exploring light therapy for AMD
Consultant ophthalmic and retinal surgeon professor Tim Jackson will be joining our My Macular and Me webinar this month as he delves into the science behind Valeda light therapy for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
“It’s very important that I make the best of what I can see and do now”
Be it poetry, illustrating or painting John has been keen to continue doing the things he loves during retirement, despite his dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) diagnosis in 2018. By sharing his story, and his art, he hopes to encourage others to carry on enjoying their favourite hobbies.
What is an ECLO and how can they support you?
Eye clinic liaison officers (ECLOs) offer advice on how to lessen the impact your eye condition may have on your life.
In our second webinar of the month Ruth Rhydderch, an ECLO at the University Hospital of Wales, joins us to discuss more about the role, and share her top pieces of advice. If you have any questions for Ruth, please send them in advance to mymacularandme@macularsociety.org.