Scientists at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, have announced groundbreaking developments in treating eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Researchers from the Institute and the University of Maryland have discovered that identifying specific amino acid components in therapeutic proteins could be the key to more effective treatments.
Through the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) models and machine-learning algorithms, the researchers were able to pinpoint the components that are most effective in targeting and delivering therapeutic proteins to damaged cells in the eye. This breakthrough research means that treatments for eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration could become more effective, and ultimately, improve the lives of millions of people around the world.
Glaucoma is an umbrella term for several conditions that cause optic nerve damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the second most common cause of blindness in America after cataracts, with three million people affected. Several types of glaucoma exist, with open-angle glaucoma being the most common, accounting for 90% of cases. The exact causes of this condition and how it creates stress on the optic nerve are still unknown, but it is believed to relate to pressure that accumulates in the eye, preventing proper drainage of fluids.
Another variant of open-angle glaucoma is normal-tension glaucoma, where the optic nerve is damaged even though pressure on the eye remains normal, and its exact causes are unknown. Angle-closure glaucoma is a severe and life-threatening form of the condition that requires immediate medical intervention. It occurs when the outer edge of the iris – the colored part of the eye – prevents fluid from draining, increasing pressure on the eye rapidly.
The CDC states that anyone is susceptible to glaucoma, regardless of their age or ethnicity. However, those aged 60 or over and African Americans aged 40 and over are at higher risk. Diabetes and a family history of the condition can increase that risk even further.
Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula, part of the retina, becomes damaged, causing the loss of central vision. Around 80% of people with macular degeneration have dry AMD, caused by the growth of a protein named drusen. As people age, the macula becomes thinner, worsening dry AMD. Wet AMD, a more severe and faster developing type, is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Blood from these vessels can create scars on the macula.
Those at the highest risk of developing AMD include those over 50 years old, smokers, those who are overweight, and those with a family history of the condition. Poor diets that are high in saturated fats and high blood pressure may exacerbate the risk.
The importance of prevention and early detection of these and other eye conditions cannot be overstated. Regular eye examinations may allow for the early detection of eye diseases, allowing patients to receive prompt treatment and prevent further damage. Providing support to individuals with eye diseases and funding diseases’ research is crucial, and organizations, policymakers, and scientists must prioritize it. Technological advancements, such as the AI and machine-learning models used in this research, can help speed up the process of identifying more effective treatments for eye diseases. Ultimately, the work of the researchers at the Wilmer Eye Institute and the University of Maryland could lead to significant advancements in researching and treating macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other chronic eye conditions.
