Welcome to your July newsletter. Firstly, thank you for all your support across Macular Week 2022. Together we succeeded in raising funds for vital research and awareness of macular disease and the impact it has on so many of our lives.
This month we share more of the news from Macular week, including a story from Marcia, which if you have been diagnosed with macular disease, or know someone who has, will resonate with you.
We are also delighted to share more detail about an exciting project that is investigating whether compounds found in plants could be used to treat macular disease. Thanks to you we are able to explore these unexpected and unique avenues to find new treatments and a cure.
“I felt like I lost my identity overnight. But I’m still Marcia, she’s still in there.”
When Marcia was diagnosed with macular disease she kept the news a secret from her family and she didn’t want her life to change. The 54-year-old has now shared her story publicly, in support of Macular Week, to help others coming to terms with a diagnosis.
Do plants hold the power to cure macular disease?
Your generosity is helping to fund researchers at the University of Surrey as they investigate whether a group of compounds called ‘homoisoflavanoids’, found in rare hyacinth plants, may be able to stop blood vessel growth in the macula.
New drug for Stargardt could reach patients faster
A new drug to treat Stargardt disease has been granted a fast-track review by the Food and Drug Administration in the US, to help make it available to patients quicker. This is exciting news for all patients with the condition, as there is no treatment currently available.
Learning about our body’s circadian clock
Dr Eleni Beli of Queen’s University Belfast is investigating our body’s circadian clock with the external light cycle and its impact on the progression of diabetic retinopathy. She will discuss the year-long study, funded by the Macular Society, during this month’s Working Age webinar.
‘I won’t let my eye condition stop me’
Postie Paul who was recently diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion (RVO), is not letting the diagnosis get in the way of his life as he plans to take on the Great North Run and help support others going through a diagnosis – Thank you to Paul and everyone raising vital funds to Beat Macular Disease!
Get closer to the experts at our free Conference
Stem cell research, using artificial intelligence to diagnose age-related macular degeneration and potential new treatments, will be just a few of the mouthwatering topics covered at this year’s free annual Macular Disease Conference.
The virtual event will welcome renowned experts from the world of macular who will discuss the latest developments and answer your questions.
