AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates.
Not only is AMD a common eye condition, it is also a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50.
The Drug Tamoxifen May Provide AMD Relief
Many people are familiar with the drug tamoxifen, which is used to treat and prevent breast cancer. Tamoxifen is also used in laboratories to activate specific genes in genetically-engineered mice.
By chance, researchers from the National Eye Institute discovered that mice treated with tamoxifen were resistant to light-induced eye injuries. Follow-up studies confirmed the protective effect of tamoxifen and its potential use in treating AMD.
Tamoxifen-induced ocular complications are very rare. That said, careful evaluation of patients with visual symptoms while on tamoxifen therapy is necessary throughout treatment.
AMD Signs and Symptoms
If you’re concerned you or a loved one may have AMD, take note of the hallmark signs. They include:
- loss of clear vision
- distorted or wavy images
- loss of color vision
- loss of central vision
If you have any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you see your Eye M.D. immediately. For those in central New Jersey, click here to contact our Old Bridge office to set up an appointment.
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