Zee Media Bureau


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London: A new research suggests that high doses of a cholesterol-lowering drug statin may be able to treat an age-related eye disease that causes vision loss.


A clinical trial led by the researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School and the University of Crete found that treatment of high-dose of atorvastatin (80mg) is associated with regression of lipid deposits and improvement in sight, without progression to advanced disease, in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


Their findings not only further the connection between lipids, AMD and atherosclerosis, but also present a potential therapy for some patients with dry AMD.


Researcher Joan W. Miller said that they found that intensive doses of statins carry the potential for clearing up the lipid debris that can lead to vision impairment in a subset of patients with macular degeneration.


Miller added that the researchers hope that this promising preliminary clinical trial will be the foundation for an effective treatment for millions of patients afflicted with AMD.


Macular degeneration is a widespread eye disease affecting over 150 million people worldwide. It is also one of the leading causes of blindness in the US.


The study is published in EBioMedicine. 


(With Agency inputs)