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Cells involved in the main cause of blindness in the elderly
In the United States, more than two million people are affected by age-related macular degeneration. In France, the number is one million. Researchers at Yale University have identified which cells are involved in this cause of blindness.


Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major causes of blindness in the elderly. If researchers have previously discovered nearly three dozen genes that play a role in disease, we still don't know where the eye lesions are located. A team of scientists from Yale University has identified three types of cells that contribute to macular degeneration, located in the central part of the retina. Their study was recently published in the journal Nature Communications.

The three cell types identified by the researchers are glial cells, which form the environment of neurons, blood vessel cells, responsible for the retina's blood supply, and cones, cells The photoreceptors are located in the retina, allowing them to see colors during the day.

There are not enough effective treatments available today

"This study helps identify cell types that could be well-studied to develop new therapies," said Brian Hafler, assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual and pathological sciences at Yale University. Even today, there are not enough effective long-term treatments. For the wet form of the disease (characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula), the patient must receive frequent injections. For the dry form (characterized by the accumulation of yellow deposits in the macula), there is no treatment other than vitamin supplements for the eyes.

The incidence of AMD tends to decrease
While this new study offers hope for the development of future treatments, another study, published about two years ago, found that the number of people with AMD decreased between each generation. According to the researchers, this decline can be explained by the fact that a more secure living environment has a positive effect on our eyes.

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