New Computer Model Describes Cholesterol in the Retina During AMD

Newswise — Denver, Colo. – Researchers have developed a new computer model to describe how cholesterol deposits, known as drusen, behave in the retina in the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The research is being presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Denver, Colo.

Using mathematical equations, the scientists calculated the amount of cholesterol used by the retina on a daily basis. If all the cholesterol is not eliminated, it slowly accumulates behind the retina. The model predicts that it takes many decades for the accumulated cholesterol to reach the size of drusen, which may explain why AMD is typically diagnosed in the elderly.

The model also estimated that inflammatory cells could remove large drusen deposits in about 10 months. These cells, called macrophages, can break down drusen into small particles that pass into the bloodstream.

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in elderly people, and the dry form is untreatable. These findings could help researchers develop future treatments for dry AMD. Abstract Title: In-silico model of retinal cholesterol dynamics: Insights into the pathophysiology of dry AMDPresentation Start/End Time: Wednesday, May 6, 8:45 – 9am Location: 4AB Mile High BlrmAbstract Number: 3987

# # #

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders.

All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.