Zinc may play a key role in eye disease

Research shows that zinc may play a role in the development of a common cause of blindness. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in older people in the developed world.

The researchers found high levels of zinc in the deposits in the eye, a sign of AMD development. The study was published in the Journal of Eye Research and led the study, the London Institute of Ophthalmology may help develop new treatments.

Age-related macular degeneration

- More common in women
- There are two types: dry and wet
- Degenerative macular degeneration related to age of dry form, visual cells stop working and die
- The macular degeneration is related to the age of wet form, a more invasive form, related to vascular tumors.
- There is no way to treat macular degeneration associated with dry age
- Age-related macular degenerative macular degeneration can be treated with photodynamic therapy and vascular blockers
- However, the treatments can only be suitable for the disease in the early stages

AMD is a form of macular disease that affects the retina of the eye and distributes central vision. An estimated 500,000 people in the UK have this disease including 40 people over 75 years old.

AMD often affects older people
(Photo: goodhope.org.uk)

An early sign of the disease is the formation of microscopic structures called crystals in the eye. Exactly what are the effects of these crystals and why they formed are still not fully understood. The latest study found that crystals in the eye with age-related macular degeneration contained very high levels of zinc.

Alzheimer's disease of the eye

Researcher Dr. Imre Lengyel said: 'In the past, zinc has been shown to contribute to the formation of plaques in Alzheimer's patients, so it is also logical for us to check for ideas. that zinc may also contribute to the formation of crystal-like clusters in the eye. AMD may be considered Alzheimer's disease in terms of both diseases related to the accumulation of proteins and metals such as zinc and copper into extremely small aggregates. '

Researchers have found that small amounts of zinc - 5 to 10% - belong to a type known to be loosely coupled or free zinc. Normally, zinc plays an essential role in keeping the shape of a molecule but free zinc can cause many problems.

They think that because it is a small amount in all zinc, it is probably not too difficult to target it. Alzheimer's disease researchers have been developing drugs that can capture free zinc and hope that their use could slow the degeneration process.

Dr. Lengyel said: 'This study shows that we are now able to find a similar path for AMD treatment.'

The Golden Point Association agrees that this study has the potential to contribute to the development of new therapies but thinks more research is needed.

However, a spokesman said that previous research found that zinc plays an active role in delaying or reducing the outbreak of AMD. He said it is important for patients to seek medical advice before changing their diet or taking nutritional supplements.

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