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Professor Andrew Lotery, University of Southampton- £249,659 (co-funded with Roche)

What’s the problem?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progresses through several stages before causing sight loss. As we know, late AMD can be categorised into two forms: wet AMD and dry AMD (also called geographic atrophy). 

Dr Giuliana Silvestri, Royal Hospitals, Belfast - £154,706

A clinical trial into how well magnifying intraocular lens implants work for those with vision loss due to macular disease. If successful, this may pave the way for further use, including on the NHS.

Prof Luminita Paraoan, University of Liverpool - £220,670

Mitochondria are vital parts of every cell. They create the energy that cells need to survive and carry out tasks. The important layer of cells in the back of the eye called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) requires a large amount of energy, so the mitochondria can get stressed. Over time and with age these mitochondria get damaged, and we see higher amounts of damage in patients with AMD. This work aims to understand what happens to these mitochondria when they age and get damaged, how we could slow or stop this damage and whether that could slow or stop the progression of AMD.

Dr Jacqueline van der Spuy, University College London - £200,000

There are very few treatments available for macular dystrophies, which are caused by faulty genes. One macular dystrophy is Doyne honeycomb dystrophy, which causes central vision loss in adults. Research at University College London aims to use gene therapy to treat Doyne honeycomb dystrophy patients.

Dr Ruth Hogg, Queens University Belfast - £113,860

Many risk factors are known to be involved in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although we still do not know which are the most important. Using health data from thousands of older people with and without AMD, Dr Ruth Hogg aims to better understand the role these factors play.

Prof Andrew Dick, University of Bristol - £243,732

This project will investigate two molecules involved in energy production and immunity in the cells of the macula. We know from a previous Macular Society funded project at Bristol University that the loss of these molecules disrupts cell metabolism, and causes cell ageing and harmful inflammation - all of which are central to the progression of AMD. This research will look at how these molecules work in the cells and investigate whether, by introducing more of them, we could restore cell health.

Dr Jamie Ellingford, University of Manchester - £249,950

This research will help our understanding of what gene changes, or combination of gene changes, are involved in macular dystrophies. Understanding the genes and the variants that are responsible for macular dystrophies is important, so that more patients can receive a correct diagnosis and to develop treatments for these genetic conditions.

Prof Dulcie Mulholland, University of Surrey and Prof Tim Corson, Indiana University - £196,339

Current drugs available for wet AMD are extremely valuable and have helped maintain vision in many people. However, not all patients treated with these anti-VEGF injections respond well to them. Different types of drugs need to be available for these people. This research aims to test whether a group of compounds called 'homoisoflavanoids', found in rare hyacinth plants, may be able to stop blood vessel growth in the macula.

Dr Michael Crossland, UCL & Moorfields Eye Hospital - £134,280

This project aims to improve the wellbeing and mental health of teenagers and young people with macular disease. Support services for those with visual impairment can be poorly linked and may not be widely known to those who need them. This work aims to connect the services most important to patients and see whether providing these services at point of diagnosis can help improve their quality of life.

Professor Adam Dubis, University College London - £244,860

This project aims to investigate which gene mutations may be involved in why those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) experience differences in the rate of disease progression. Using artificial intelligence, the researchers aim to generate a way to subgroup patients based on genetic risk factors to better understand risk of progression.