Search

Manchester Eye Tissue Repository Genome-Transcriptome Project

Dr Jamie Ellingford, University of Manchester - £249,950

This research will help our understanding of what gene changes, or combination of gene changes, are involved in macular dystrophies. Understanding the genes and the variants that are responsible for macular dystrophies is important, so that more patients can receive a correct diagnosis and to develop treatments for these genetic conditions.

Creating a wet AMD drug using flower compounds

Prof Dulcie Mulholland, University of Surrey and Prof Tim Corson, Indiana University - £196,339

Current drugs available for wet AMD are extremely valuable and have helped maintain vision in many people. However, not all patients treated with these anti-VEGF injections respond well to them. Different types of drugs need to be available for these people. This research aims to test whether a group of compounds called 'homoisoflavanoids', found in rare hyacinth plants, may be able to stop blood vessel growth in the macula.

Improving support services for teenagers with macular disease

Dr Michael Crossland, UCL & Moorfields Eye Hospital - £134,280

This project aims to improve the wellbeing and mental health of teenagers and young people with macular disease. Support services for those with visual impairment can be poorly linked and may not be widely known to those who need them. This work aims to connect the services most important to patients and see whether providing these services at point of diagnosis can help improve their quality of life.

Investigating factors involved in rate of AMD progression

Professor Adam Dubis, University College London - £244,860

This project aims to investigate which gene mutations may be involved in why those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) experience differences in the rate of disease progression. Using artificial intelligence, the researchers aim to generate a way to subgroup patients based on genetic risk factors to better understand risk of progression.

Testing therapies to reduce severity of visual hallucinations

Prof Robin Walker, Royal Holloway University - £37,178

Many people with vision loss experience Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), which leads to visual hallucinations. These hallucinations can range from simple shapes and patterns to vivid and realistic faces and scenes. They can severely affect a person’s life and can be distressing. This trial aims to test current suggested techniques for reducing the severity of hallucinations.

Protecting damaged blood vessels in the back of the eye

Professor Reinhold Medina, Queen’s University Belfast - £242,783

Blood vessels in the eye play a vital role in carrying oxygen and nutrients to the retina and especially the macula, which requires high levels of oxygen. Those with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) appear to have more damage in these blood vessels. This work aims to understand why this is and to test whether, if we can stop this damage, we can stop the progression of AMD.

Understanding new stress response pathway involved in AMD

Professor Maria Balda, University College London - £249,451

The cells in the macula are very active in order to sense light and send that information to the brain. This means that they are exposed to a lot of stress, which can lead to cell damage and sight loss. This research is looking at a biochemical pathway that is believed to be involved in reducing the effects of stress in these cells. This pathway is thought to be impaired in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).