Inherited retina dystrophies

The retina dystrophy (common name Retinitis pigmentosa) is an inherited retina dystrophy.

Patients with retinal dystrophies need an annual exam as the presentation of macular cysts is highly treatable when caught early and improve central vision. It is part the dystrophy’s pathology; however, this manifestation is easily controlled with pills or drops. Normally the patient does not notice any change because the cysts settle very slowly. It is the retina specialist who can provide early detection and tracked them to ease and improve vision.

Latest news on preclinical studies and genomic therapy have been presented this 2022 Congress ARVO (Association Research in Vision in Ophthalmolgy). All patients with dystrophies must know its molecular type.

Valproic acid research. The trial did show improvement in visual acuity average (how clear vision is) after three months of taking valproic acid (400 mg daily for 3 months). With an improvement of about 5 letters on a standard eye chart, there was a slightly added improvement (about one more letter on average) after months of treatment. A measurable analyzed reported an increasing and showed retinal sensitivity but was not evident at either time period. The person’s vision returned to baseline after fairly quickly they stopped taking the treatment. In this preliminary report, there was really no detail about the variation obtained. We do not know if some patients reduced considerably better than others.

These results build on the first small study of valproic acid involved patient with autosomal dominant six retinitis pigmentosa, particularly in the RHO gene mutations. However there is growing evidence valproic acid that may be a useful treatment for some types of retinitis pigmentosa and not for others.

Dr. Orson Moritz, a researcher at the University of British Columbia has-been exploring this question with funding from the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Dr. Moritz tested valproic acid treatment in those whose vision was damaged by different genetic mutations all within the RHO gene. He found that valproic acid treatment had a beneficial effect on eyes powerful damaged by one type of mutation and a strong negative effect on eyes damaged by another type of mutation. For two other mutation types, the drug had minimal effect.

These results suggest that valproic acid treatment will need to be Carefully targeted to uncertain genetic types of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.

Source:

Satoshi Iraha, Yasuhiko Hirami, Sachiko Oota, Michiko Mandai, Hidenobu Tanihara, Masayo Takahashi and Yasuo Kurimoto. The efficacy of valproic acid for retinitis pigmentosa patients. Abstract # 1390 ARVO – A0247.

Ruanne Y. Lai, Zusheng Zong, Beatrice M. Tam, Chris May and Orson L. Moritz. Opposing effects of valproic acid treatment in four Animal models of retinitis pigmentosa. Abstract # 4370 – C0153.

Macular Degeneration 

The Macular degeneration is a form of progressive loss vision which affects the central vision. It is multifactorial: heredity, smoking, food, white skin, are known to predispose this type of vision loss. The people begin to see the crooked edges or spots on the peoples face. Normally a checkup at the age of 40 can detect certain factors of risk. With the help of good nutrition and certain treatments can prevent progression to loss of vision.

Omega-3s help slow the presentation of macular degeneration especially in women, a study shows this week.

Women who consume large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids could reduce risk of macular degeneration by 42 %. By example the consumption of fish (especially canned tuna and fat fish like salmon, macaleras, harenques) at least, three times a week, falls into this category. Omega 3 fatty acids modulate the inflammatory auto-immune system and help to prevent macular degeneration.