May 2017
British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research Article >>
Stuart Richer, OD, PhD; Lawrence Ulanski II, MD ; Anish Bhandari, MSc, MS1; and Natalia Popenko
MS3Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Facility & RFUMS, • North Chicago, IL ; UIC Eye & Ear Infirmary • Chicago, IL
PURPOSE: Gradual photoreceptor/ RPE deterioration in AMD is common, irrespective of AREDS I/II supplement risk reduction, orintra-vitrealanti-VEGF pharmacology.We evaluated dark adaptation (DA) in atrophic AMD patients, a broad measure of photoreceptor / RPE health, with / without an epigenetic caloric-restriction modulator (Longevinex® www.longevinex.com).
OBJECTIVE: BaselineclinicalDA threshold (log DB), time (min), and fixation (%) were taken for patients with established atrophic AMD (n=14 eyes; 6 M / 1 F; ages 64 -89 years), using the AdaptDx® (www.maculogix.com), with pupil dilation and best refraction. Following prescription of Longevinex® 1 capsule qdAM, DA was repeated, with each eye’s response considered independent.
RESULTS: All but 2 eyes improved in one or more DA parameters, with 3 cases showing improvement by retinal macula SD OCT. Expected vs. actual (worse vs. same/better), by eye, was significant by Chi Square, P <0.01. Additional factors affecting DA: smoking, alcohol, elevated CRP and statins were retrospectively evaluated.
CONCLUSION: These first cases of DA stability / improvement are consistent with previous beneficial effects of Longevinex® such as enhanced choriocapillariscirculation. DA is the earliest functional AMD sign and a prime candidate for “AMD prevention”. This work merits expansion to controlled studies