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Prof Karl Matter, UCL - £489,423 (co-funded with Diabetes UK)

High blood sugar levels can lead to damage to our eyes, known as retinopathy. Professor Karl Matter thinks that a protein called MarvelD3, that helps cells to stick together in blood vessels, might hold some answers. His research could provide valuable new insights to develop innovative approaches to protect blood vessels and prevent sight loss for people with diabetes.

Dr Alison Binns, City, University of London- £233,862

Understanding why our eyes adapt differently to the dark may pave the way for quicker AMD treatments

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.

Professor Andrew Lotery, University of Southampton- £249,659 (co-funded with Roche)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to sight loss, but its progression varies widely between individuals. Using advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI), researchers are working to understand and uncover clues that could help predict who is most at risk of sight loss.

Dr Lisa Hill, University of Birmingham - £244,249 

This project aims to develop a novel therapy for dry aged-related macular degeneration (AMD), delivered via an eye drop, which could reduce inflammation and restore cell health. The eye drop will include the recipe to make an important protein, known to be reduced in those with AMD. 

Professor Majlinda Lako, Newcastle University- £299,970

What is the problem?

For over a decade, this team has been studying the biological basis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They developed a ‘lab model’ of retinal cells called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with key features of AMD to study how these cells work. They found that the RPE recycling system is faulty in AMD. This leads to the increased production of small bubbles that spread AMD features within the retina. This shows that these cellular processes are likely important in AMD progression.

Professor Jacqueline van der Spuy, University College London- £293,803

What is the problem?

Doyne honeycomb dystrophy (DHD) is an inherited condition diagnosed in early adulthood that leads to the progressive loss of vision. The condition is characterised by the accumulation of drusen (clumps of lipids and proteins) underneath a layer of cells called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE supports the overlying light-sensing cells in the eye. A major gap in knowledge is how the genetic change that causes DHD ultimately leads to the formation of drusen.

Pearse Keane, UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital - £126,462

September 2019 – April 2022

This project aims to use the power of computers and artificial intelligence (AI) to better understand age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Using eye scans from patients with wet AMD, the researchers want to better understand why and how AMD develops and what causes the progression of wet AMD.

Dr Amanda-Jayne Carr, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology - £170,000

August 2018 – December 2021

Research summary

Best disease is caused by a faulty gene and leads to permanent sight loss. It’s a dominant genetic disease (meaning that you only need to have one copy of the mutated gene from your parents in order to have the condition). 
This research aimed to switch off the faulty gene and leave the healthy gene remaining to stop the progression of the disease, and the sight loss it causes.

Dr Giuliana Silvestri, Royal Hospitals, Belfast - £154,706

A clinical trial into how well magnifying intraocular lens implants work for those with vision loss due to macular disease. If successful, this may pave the way for further use, including on the NHS.