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Tracy Hampton, PhD

JAMA. 2004;291:1309-1310.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Cambridge, Mass—Scientists seeking ways to treat degenerative eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration are taking a page from cancer researchers: they are targeting the growth of abnormal blood vessels, a common feature of these two different types of disorders. While angiogenesis research in ophthalmology is in its infancy, studies in oncology and other areas have revealed a number of angiogenic molecules that could have significance for treating these blinding eye disorders.

Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, the major causes of blindness in the developed world, are characterized by the growth of fragile, leaky blood vessels. Age-related macular degeneration risk factors have been linked to genetics, diet, and smoking, but clear causes have not been identified. All individuals with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, and between 40% and 45% of individuals in the United States with diabetes have some . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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