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September 6th - 2010
Guest interview with Lee Hicken, Hebe Media Hebe Media ran a very successful social media campaign for Marketing Leeds in Barcelona earlier...
University research into blindness receives local boost
An award by the West Riding Masonic Charity will help the research team, led by Dr Carmel Toomes to use the latest genetic technologies to isolate the faulty genes known to be responsible for a rare condition known as familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR).
The disease affects the normal development and growth of blood vessels in the eye and though the number of affected families is small, the research will help scientists study more common forms of blindness which are also caused by the growth of abnormal eye blood vessels.
Similar abnormalities are also seen in a condition affecting premature babies.
Dr Toomes said: “It is by studying the rare genetic disorders that molecular biologists begin to understand the processes that affect normal eye development so we can in the future decrease the risk of blindness through early detection.”
In the longer term scientists hope this kind of research will change the way genes are identified and help find new treatments for diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, the main causes of blindness in the western world.
Martin McKibbin, ophthalmic consultant at St James’ Hospital, Leeds added: “If successful this type of technology is likely to lead us to many genes important for eyes and vision, with real benefits for patients with inherited blindness.”
