Eye drops for AMD

Doctors in Texas are testing two new eye drops to treat wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Data from clinical trials will reveal whether the drops are effective within two years.

The wet AMD drops - called TG100801 - is designed to block new blood vessel growth and leakiness and reduce inflammation.

The dry AMD drops, known as Hydergine, is like an antioxidant or an "eye vitamin". The drops are used four times a day.

The drops are not available to the public yet. But doctors in the study say they're hopeful. Click here to read more and here to watch a video of a patient who is trying out the drops.

Keep dancing and swinging

Dorothy Lee may be 76, but we can always count on her for some good advice. Latest tip from her during MDS' first sharing session of the year today: keep dancing.

Despite suffering from AMD, she is passionately into line dancing. As she told a group of close to 30 fellow members: "Keep your social life active."

That's not all. She also makes sure deteriorating eyesight does not keep her imprisoned at home, insisting on doing her own cleaning and shopping.

And to keep her mind alert, she eschews shopping lists, preferring to rely on her memory. She said to peals of laughter : "If I forget what I want to buy, I will punish myself by staying at the supermarket until I remember!"

Another important tip from her: wear good shoes to guard against falling down.

She was just one of many who shared their experiences on the topic of the day - Coping with Deteriorating Vision and Dealing with Depression.

MDS President Sam Fong also suggested exploring audio books, giving avid readers a chance to continuing "reading" despite failing sight. The National Library offers membership at just $21 a year.

We also welcome new members Lim Kin Lan, Lim Hui Choo and Pearl Sin. The MDS family is growing and the new year is off to a great start!

New Year, New Blog

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the new MDS blog, a place for us to meet, talk and share our experiences on anything related to macular degeneration.

The Macular Degeneration Society (MDS) in Singapore is young, growing and we hope, exciting too! Check out our official website at http://www.mds-singapore.org/.

So what can you expect on this blog?

• Latest medical breakthroughs in the world of macular degeneration (MD)
• Updates on the search to cure MD
• Vitamins and food to fight the disease
• News on MD in Singapore
• Events of the MDS

In short, news, news and more news - from the world as well as right here in tiny tropical Singapore. For macular degeneration patients, we hope this blog and our website can be your one-stop (okay, maybe two stops) platform for all things related to MD in Singapore.

So come onboard, share your experiences by posting comments. Let this be our little online kopitiam and let's battle macular degeneration together.

Happy New Year and a healthy 2008 for all!