News, Links and Commentary
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Retina Australia Congress and Family Testing Program
Tomorrow I'm travelling to Perth and will call in to the RP Family Testing Program at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Thursday will see me flying to Adelaide to meet my #ozrplist friends before attending the Retina Australia Biennial Congress over the weekend. From there I'll head down to Melbourne via Portland. If you're attending the Congress, I hope to see you there! If not, I'll hopefully provide more information about the event here on RetGen.
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Monday, October 11, 2004
Without A Trace Features Character With RP
US missing person's drama Without A Trace recently featured a character with retinitis pigmentosa, according to a member of the RPList. The episode, titled 'In The Dark' (Season 3, Episode #48), aired in the United States on 23 September. I'm looking forward to seeing the episode when it screens here on WinTV / Nine.
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Thursday, October 07, 2004
Immune System Gene Also Involved in Retina Clean Up
Researchers have discovered that a gene known to be involved in the immune system also plays a part in keeping the retina free of debris.
The discovery was made by biophysicist Howard R. Petty, Ph.D. and colleagues from the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. The research was published in the August issue of the Journal of General Physiology. Petty is continuing to research the gene and its role in the eye.
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The gene, TLR4, enables the eye to clear old outer segments, a function that is essential for maintaining normal vision. The gene belongs to a group of toll-like receptors (TLRs), which dispose of bacteria and other foreign matter in cells throughout the body.
('The same gene functions in vision and immune system, research shows', News-Medical.Net, 16 September 2004).
The discovery was made by biophysicist Howard R. Petty, Ph.D. and colleagues from the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. The research was published in the August issue of the Journal of General Physiology. Petty is continuing to research the gene and its role in the eye.
Colleen Breaks Out in Cowra Thanks To Guide Dog Neisha
Colleen Graham, who has retinitis pigmentosa, is the first guide dog user in Cowra, NSW, according to the Cowra Guardian ('A ray of light', 4 October 2004). Ms Graham and her dog Neisha recently graduated through Guide Dogs NSW / ACT.
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APHont Emboldened For Low Vision Readers
APHont is a font developed by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) specifically for people who have a vision impairment. The font is available in a free download from the APH Web site. Recent additions to the APHont download include bold, italic and bold italic versions. For more information, see APH Products: APHont A Font For Low Vision.
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Saturday, October 02, 2004
Herbal Safety Web Site
Recently I received an e-mail suggesting that I try a herbal treatment available from overseas for RP. The e-mail included contact information but not a Web site address, so I have not included the details in RetGen.
One concern I have about taking herbs to treat retinal degeneration is that I do not know how safe a particular herb might be. In addition, it is difficult to check that the herbs will be of benefit and that they will not cause further vision loss.
For people interested in researching the safety of herbal treatments for health conditions, the Herbal Safety Project presented by UT El Paso / Austin Cooperative Pharmacy Program & Paso del Norte Health Foundation, might be of some assistance. The Web site focuses on herbs commonly used in the south west of the United States and those sourced from Mexico.
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One concern I have about taking herbs to treat retinal degeneration is that I do not know how safe a particular herb might be. In addition, it is difficult to check that the herbs will be of benefit and that they will not cause further vision loss.
For people interested in researching the safety of herbal treatments for health conditions, the Herbal Safety Project presented by UT El Paso / Austin Cooperative Pharmacy Program & Paso del Norte Health Foundation, might be of some assistance. The Web site focuses on herbs commonly used in the south west of the United States and those sourced from Mexico.
