Uncovering early changes in the eye during AMD

Dr Richard Unwin, The University of Manchester- £249,679

A person’s genes play a significant role in determining their lifetime risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While many of the genes linked to AMD have been identified, less is known about how this genetic risk affects the structure and health of the eye before symptoms appear.

This project aims to identify and record differences in the structure of the eye between individuals with high and low genetic risk of AMD, helping researchers understand how genetic susceptibility influences the earliest stages of disease development.

What is the problem?

A person’s genes play a significant role in determining their lifetime risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. While many of the genes linked to AMD have been identified, less is known about how this genetic risk affects the structure and health of the eye before symptoms appear.

This project seeks to identify and document structural differences in the eye between individuals with high and low genetic risk of AMD, helping researchers understand how genetic susceptibility influences the earliest stages of disease development.

What are they doing?

Previous research has shown that people at high genetic risk of AMD have increased levels of certain immune cells that can damage the Bruch’s membrane, a vital layer that supports retinal cells.

Building on this earlier work, the current project uses donated human eye tissue to explore whether similar changes are present in other parts of the retina. In particular, the researchers are examining additional retinal layers, including the light-sensing photoreceptors, to identify the earliest structural and cellular changes associated with AMD progression.

By comparing tissue from individuals with different genetic risk profiles, the team aims to build a clearer picture of how AMD begins and develops over time.

How can this help?

This work will help establish how the disease develops, and in turn, help identify new targets to slow this development.

By improving understanding of how AMD develops at its earliest stages, this research may help identify new targets to slow development. In the long term, this could support the development of treatments designed to slow or prevent disease progression, preserving vision for people at risk of AMD.