Ruth Rhydderch

Understanding the role of an ECLO

Posted: Monday 1 July 2024

Navigating a diagnosis of macular disease can be overwhelming, but Ruth Rhydderch, an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) at the University Hospital of Wales, explains how her role can make a difference.

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Nancy looking into the camera with her hands held near her face

"I know my eyesight will change, so I want to live in the here and now"

Posted: Monday 24 June 2024

Nancy assumed her vision changes were just part of getting older. When she noticed blank spots and disappearing words while reading, she thought she needed a new prescription.

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Dr Ratnayaka portrait

Stopping the build-up of toxic waste in dry AMD

Posted: Monday 24 June 2024

In dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), toxic waste builds up in the retina because cells can't clear it. Dr. Arjuna Ratnayaka is researching ways to activate the cells’ waste removal system to reduce this buildup and protect vision.

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Andrew Dick in lab looking through microscope

Boosting key protein in eye cells shows promise in preventing AMD

Posted: Friday 7 June 2024

Increasing the levels of a key protein in eye cells may help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to new research led by the University of Bristol.

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Polling station sign hanging on a black railing with a brick building in the background

Voting with a visual impairment

Posted: Thursday 6 June 2024

With a general election coming up, Colin Daniels, our Working Age and Young People’s Service Manager, tells you what you need to know to make sure you can vote independently on Thursday 4 July.

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James Neffendorf headshot

How is the landscape for treatments for macular disease changing?

Posted: Wednesday 5 June 2024

From new drugs to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to the first-ever drug being approved to treat dry AMD in the US, the treatment landscape for people with macular disease is changing rapidly.

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Medical research working together on a computer

Macular disease top priority in UK eye research

Posted: Tuesday 4 June 2024

Macular disease has been identified as a top priority for eye care research in the UK over the next five years, according to a new study published in the journal Eye.

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Tricia Sturgeon smiling

"Volunteering is very fulfilling and it keeps your brain and body active”

Posted: Monday 3 June 2024

When Tricia was diagnosed with macular disease, she already had a support system in place, thanks to her role as a volunteer with her local support group.

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A head and shoulders shot of Ed Holloway, a white man with dark/grey hair smiling to camera, wearing a dark grey suit jacket and white open necked shirt

“It's really important leaders have close connections with the people they support”

Posted: Thursday 30 May 2024

The Macular Society is pleased to announce the appointment of its new chief executive. Ed Holloway will join the Society in July and brings with him a wealth of experience in the charity sector.

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Mental Health Awareness week featuring 3 men in different nature locations

“When you start exploring the world with all your senses it comes alive for you”

Posted: Monday 13 May 2024

Whether it's walking, swimming, or gardening, getting active outdoors can be great for reducing stress and anxiety and improving our mental well-being. A diagnosis of macular disease shouldn’t stand in the way of you enjoying outdoor hobbies. People find ways to adapt and stay active, despite sight loss.

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Yuan Gao And Rashmi Akshikar smiling

Optometry vs ophthalmology – your questions answered

Posted: Wednesday 1 May 2024

Are you familiar with the distinction between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, and how each professional can support you? Optometrist Yuan Gao and consultant ophthalmic surgeon and retinal specialist, Rashmi Akshikar joined us for April’s My Macular and Me webinar.

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Researcher in laboratory

New study identifies 87 genes linked to AMD

Posted: Friday 26 April 2024

Researchers at the National Eye Institute in the USA have discovered 87 genes in retinal cells that could be affected by environmental factors which may influence the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

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