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being studied in this arena are the cell or cells involved in and around
the macula. Cell biologists begin to study in what ways the cell is affected
because of a specific gene mutation. Also, what type of cell is affected,
that is, is it the rods and cone cells, or the layer of cells beneath the
rods and cone cells called the RPE cells.
Finally, by learning from what the cell biologists have discovered, and by what the doctors or clinicians have discovered from their patients, a precise story can be developed as to what has gone wrong with this particular degeneration. That is, an educated guess or hypothesis can be put forward as to the cause of this type of Macular Degeneration or dystrophy. Many patients say, "Will this type of research help me now? There may not be any immediate results from this type of research for the current patient with Macular Degeneration but it is highly important that the researchers understand the cause of Macular Degeneration before they can ultimately figure out the cure. Some immediate benefit, however, may be in the information gained in order that some types of Macular Degeneration can be explained to families in genetic counseling. |
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visit The Foundation Fighting Blindness at www.blindnesss.org or e-mail us at MDInfo@blindness.org. Intro | Nutrition | Juvenile | Age-Related | Low Vision | What's New |