Scientists find potential way to fight blindness in elderly

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting those over 50 and prevalent in one-third of people over 75. Dry AMD occurs when macular cells break down, forming drusen deposits that impair vision. About 10% of cases progress to wet AMD, where abnormal blood vessels under the macula cause swelling and rapid degeneration. Research from Trinity College, London, indicates that drusen triggers IL-18, an inflammatory component that mediates this progression. By increasing IL-18 levels, scientists aim to prevent AMD from worsening, potentially preserving patients' sight.

What percentage of patients progress to more severe AMD?

How can scientists potentially stop AMD from worsening?