Macular Chats

Geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, can lead to irreversible vision loss. New long-term data are offering hope that treatment can slow this decline and help preserve sight. Join Dr. Sara Fard, a retina specialist at Illinois Retina Associates, as she explains the benefits of sustained GA treatment, including slowing the rate of vision loss, protecting retinal tissue, and supporting daily visual function. 

Ever wonder how Macular Degeneration Research identifies and supports the most promising scientific studies around the world? We recently awarded $3.8 million to researchers advancing bold ideas to better understand, prevent, and treat macular degeneration. In this episode of Macular Chats, Dr. Diane Bovenkamp highlights several of this year’s groundbreaking projects and explain how they’re driving progress in early detection, risk reduction, new treatments—and ultimately, a cure.

Can a simple vitamin or supplement help protect your sight? In this Macular Chats episode, we explore what current science tells us about nutritional approaches to support eye health, particularly in the context of age-related changes in the retina. Join Dr. Brian McKay and Dr. Murray Brilliant for a conversation about the widely used AREDS2 nutrient formula, as well as exciting new research into L-DOPA, a naturally occurring compound that may offer a stronger role for maintaining retinal health.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, join psychologist Ed McDaniel for an honest conversation about the emotional impact of being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and/or geographic atrophy (GA). Drawing from both his professional expertise and personal experience, Ed will share strategies for coping with anxiety, grief, and loss of independence—and how to start important conversations about mental health with your eye doctor. Learn about resources that can help you feel less alone.

Join us for a special discussion on clinical trials for macular degeneration. Experts from Genentech will provide an overview of the company’s work in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy, including the role of clinical trials and how they work. They will also share details about an upcoming clinical trial for geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry AMD, and what potential participants can expect.

Join us for a conversation about light therapy and macular degeneration, where we’ll explore how different types of light—blue, red, and sunlight—affect the retina, the science behind light therapy, and the newly approved Valeda red light therapy. Plus, we’ll answer listener questions about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lights, red light therapy for early-stage AMD, and more. Bring your questions to ask our guest expert!

With two FDA-approved treatments now available for geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration, we’ll explore how to navigate treatment options, engage in shared decision-making with your healthcare team, and maximize your eye health. February is Low Vision Awareness Month, so we’ll also discuss support options for those living with vision loss.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the latest developments in wet age-related macular degeneration treatment. We’re partnering with the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) to bring you an overview of current treatment options, the impact of the Avastin shortage, and alternative treatments. We will also explore advocacy efforts by ASRS and the American Academy of Ophthalmology to address these issues.

This Macular Chat episode will cover practical tips for maintaining quality of life with low vision. From adaptive activities to resources like large print books, there are resources to help you live well.

Geographic atrophy is an advanced and severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration that, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible vision loss. Hear from guest expert Dr. Veeral Sheth about the latest treatments, research breakthroughs, and how to protect your vision.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on Stargardt disease, a rare inherited form of juvenile macular degeneration that affects about 1 in 10,000 children and young adults. Learn about the latest in diagnosis, genetic testing, and promising treatments, which researchers are also evaluating in geographic atrophy.

Macular Degeneration Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, is supporting 49 active research grants around the world. Join us as our Scientific Affairs team highlights a few of these groundbreaking research projects working toward earlier detection and prevention, treatments, and a cure for macular degeneration.

This Macular Chat episode will explore how diet and nutrition influence the risk and progression of AMD and discuss the vital role that the gut microbiome plays in overall human health.

Geographic atrophy is an advanced and severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration that can lead to permanent vision loss. Guest expert Dr. Philip Niles will share what you need to know about identifying, preventing, and treating geographic atrophy and delve into the landscape of available treatments.

After a macular degeneration diagnosis, the best way to adapt to vision loss is to learn new ways of doing things. Ed Haines discusses the resources available from the organization Hadley, which provides practical, social, and emotional support to older adults adjusting to vision loss.

Does cataract surgery increase your risk of developing macular degeneration? Learn more during a conversation with guest expert Emily Y. Chew, MD.

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older. Guest speaker Gayatri S. Reilly, MD answers questions and shares all the facts you need to know about wet and dry macular degeneration. #MacularDegeneration #Macular #Retina

After a diagnosis of macular degeneration many individuals experience a range of emotions, including grief, anxiety, or depression. Our expert guest will define and discuss different emotions, as well as provide specialists and additional coping strategies and resources to consider.

Dr. Kapil Bharti’s lab at the National Eye Institute recently started the first U.S. phase I/IIa trial to test autologous iPSC-derived RPE patch in AMD patients. Currently, he is co-developing a dual RPE/photoreceptor cell therapy with Opsis Therapeutics. He has given several keynote lectures and won several awards for his revolutionary work on developing ocular cell-therapies. He serves on the advisory board (pro bono) of several companies and patient-advocacy groups. His current work as a Senior Investigator at NEI involves understanding the mechanism of retinal degenerative diseases using induced pluripotent stem cell derived eye cells and tissues and developing cell-based and drug-based therapies for such diseases. He is the Director of the NEI Intramural Research Program where he oversees 21 research labs and 6 core facilities. Dr. Bharti is also a Macular Degeneration Research grantee. Learn more about his funded work here: Engineered Eye Tissue Models to Analyze Mechanisms of Age-related Vision Loss. #Macular #MacularDegeneration #Retina #LowVision

Guest speaker W. Lloyd Clark, MD, discusses a new anti-VEGF treatment option that is available for wet AMD. Dr. Clark specializes in the treatment of vitreous and retinal diseases. He is also dedicated to the advancement of new treatments for retinal diseases through his involvement with clinical trials for the newest therapies for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusions.