Statins (drugs originally used against cholesterol) would be effective in combating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to the results ofa study published in the medical journal EBioMedicine. They would be able to restore visual acuity and reduce the size of the drusen (small deposits heralding DLMA).
Researchers from Harvard University (USA) and the University of Crete observed an improvement in visual acuity in a man with the dry form of AMD, and treated with a high dose of statin (80 mg atorvastatin) daily for more than a year.
They then carried out an experiment to test this treatment with 23 volunteers over the age of 50, affected by the AMD dry, with numerous drusen deposits. To assess changes in their vision, the researchers watched for signs of the disease slowing.
The findings of this study showed that 10 participants exhibited a significant improvement in vision and a reduction in drusen. 8 of them even saw an almost complete disappearance of the deposits.
In contrast, in this study, 13 participants saw their mink decrease.
Considering the small number of participants in the study, the researchers must test their results on a larger cohort.
AMD in numbers
In industrialized countries, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of low vision. This disease already affects 1 in 100 French people between 50 and 55 years old. Over the years, its prevalence has climbed to the point of affecting 1 in 10 French people among 65-75 year olds and 25 to 30% of over 75s.
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