Hamilton researchers spearheading Canada’s largest-scale vision-loss study

Researchers from Hamilton are spearheading the country's most comprehensive study into age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in older Canadians.

The large-scale research project, funded by the Juravinski Research Institute, is underway at the Regional Eye Institute at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

The $750,000 grant will help investigate AMD, the leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in Canadians aged 55 and older.

The Radiographic Evidence study of Age-related macular Degeneration" or R.E.A.D. will leverage a randomized selection of retinal images and biomarkers" from people aged 45 to 85 years-old, who are part of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).

The research team at the Eye Institute will examine these images at various stages of the disease to help determine the prevalence, to help identify genetic and lifestyle risk factors linked to AMD, as well as ways to slow vision loss.

The study is led by Dr. Varun Chaudhary, chief of ophthalmology at St. Joe's and a professor of surgery at McMaster.

Chaudhary said high-blood pressure and smoking increase the risk for AMD. Beyond those risks, genetics also plays a factor. Canada is a very multicultural country and AMD is more prevalent in people of European descent if compared to Asians or Africans."

The study aims to turn Hamilton into an international hub for research for eye diseases, which will serve as a critical resource for eye-care professionals for patients in Canada and other countries.

According to a release from St. Joe's, AMD can affect one's central vision, impacting how people function on daily basis. It can also lead to loss of independence and social isolation. The release also said AMD may increase the risks for depression, anxiety and dementia.

Currently, 2.5 million Canadians are estimated to be living with AMD. The disease is projected to affect 288 million people globally by 2040.

Beatriz Baleeiro is a reporter at The Spectator.bbaleeiro@torstar.ca