Working to Prevent Dry AMD
Researchers are making progress towards therapy and prevention of the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): "a deficiency of the CD36 receptor prevents the evacuation of oxidized lipids in the eye. Those oxidized lipids in turn accumulate and attack the layers beneath and over the retina - thereby causing vision loss. ... We found that a deficiency in CD36 receptors leads to significant and progressive age-related macular degeneration. CD36 deficiency leads to central vision loss -- a key feature of dry AMD ... Now that we have also developed the molecules that activate [the] CD 36 receptor, we are working on the validation of the efficacy of these molecules as potential therapeutic agents for dry AMD treatment with prospect at the horizon of 2015." A better approach would be to identify the source of those oxidized lipids and deal with that problem. They are likely a result of changes in the level of free radicals in the body, perhaps relating to the mitochondrial free radical theory of aging. But you won't know if you stop investigating as soon as you have a temporary patch for the symptoms.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080220103541.htm