Macular Degeneration Research
Macular Degeneration Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, accelerates groundbreaking research exploring the root causes of and prevention strategies and treatments for macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss.
Our Impact: Making a Difference
Macular Degeneration Research is currently supporting a global portfolio of 44 active scientific projects, a more than $14 million investment. Our grants are vetted through a rigorous evaluation process by the world’s top scientists and clinicians who serve on our scientific review committee.
With our grants, scientists are investigating hundreds of ideas to prevent, treat, and cure macular degeneration.
44
Active research grants we’re supporting worldwide
145
Scientists currently supported through our grants
More than $56 million
Invested in macular degeneration research since inception.
Recent News
News & Breakthroughs
New Supplement to Prevent Macular Degeneration Inspires Deeper Search for Cures
A Macular Degeneration Research-funded scientist launched a supplement based on a link he discovered between the eye disease and Parkinson’s disease. Now he’s continuing research in the hopes of finding novel cures.
Transforming Macular Degeneration Care With Long-Acting Treatment
With funding from Macular Degeneration Research, Dr. Daisy Shu is exploring advanced drug delivery systems that release medicine slowly over time. This innovative approach could reduce the number of injections needed for macular degeneration while maintaining vision-saving results.
How Targeting a Molecular ‘Switch’ Could Inspire New Macular Degeneration Treatments
A researcher funded by BrightFocus’ Macular Degeneration Research is zeroing in on a protein that damages eye cells in the early stages of dry age-related macular degeneration, offering insights that could lead to new treatments.
How Better Models of Macular Degeneration Could Help Prevent Vision Loss
Most experimental models that researchers use to study macular degeneration fall short. BrightFocus Macular Degeneration Research grant recipient Dr. Brittany Carr aims to change that.
Is This the Next Best Thing to Regrowing a New Retina?
A BrightFocus Macular Degeneration Research-funded scientist is investigating a new regeneration technique to restore key cells that are wiped out in late-stage age-related macular degeneration.
Turning Back the Biological Clock on Aged and Injured Eye Cells
A de-aging technique offers hope for halting damage in early macular degeneration.
New Research Links Blue Light to Macular Degeneration Risk, Antioxidants May Offer Hope
Blue light may damage the eyes by causing unstable “free radicals” to form, which increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration. BrightFocus-funded research offers a potential way to protect the eyes from blue light.
Exosomes: The New Frontier in Early Detection of Macular Degeneration
Motivated by his family’s experience with eye diseases, Dr. Miguel Flores-Bellver is searching for new biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration.
Investigational Eye Drop for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Enters Phase 2 Clinical Trial
A clinical trial for an investigational eye drop to treat wet age-related macular degeneration is seeking eligible participants for enrollment.
Why It Matters
Why Research Matters
Advanced macular degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment in the world.
Approximately 200 million people worldwide are thought to be living with macular degeneration–a number expected to reach 288 million by 2040.
Macular Degeneration Research invests in groundbreaking research worldwide to defeat macular degeneration, pursuing innovative treatments, preventative measures, and a cure.
Our Approach to Research
Macular Degeneration Research takes a 360-degree approach to funding innovative scientific research worldwide to defeat macular degeneration. By examining the disease from all angles–from the impact of diet and nutrition to cell regeneration– we leave no stone unturned to discover improved treatments, prevention strategies, and a cure.
Resources
We’re here for you.
Supporting the Supporters: Care Partners in Vision Loss
In recognition of National Caregivers Month, this episode explores the vital role of those who support individuals living with vision loss—whether family members, professionals, or volunteers.
Understanding Stem Cell Research for Macular Degeneration
Dr. Jeffrey Stern and Dr. Sally Temple, Principal Investigators and Co-Founders of the Neural Stem Cell Institute, will explain what stem cells are and share the latest updates from clinical trials.
Finding Purpose and Community Through Supporting Research
Dave and Leanna Palmer share their commitment to supporting Macular Degeneration Research.
How Retinal and Brain Implants Restore Partial Sight
Artificial vision systems utilizing these technologies show promise for individuals with profound vision loss in early trials.
Saving Sight: How Long-Term Treatment Helps Slow Geographic Atrophy
Join Dr. Sara Fard, a retina specialist at Illinois Retina Associates, as she explains the benefits of sustained GA treatment, including slowing the rate of vision loss, protecting retinal tissue, and supporting daily visual function.
Innovative Science Driving Macular Degeneration Progress
Dr. Diane Bovenkamp highlights several of this year’s groundbreaking projects and explain how they’re driving progress in early detection, risk reduction, new treatments—and ultimately, a cure.
Vitamins and Supplements for Retinal Health
Dr. Brian McKay and Dr. Murray Brilliant discuss the widely used AREDS2 nutrient formula and exciting new research into L-DOPA, a naturally occurring compound that may offer a stronger role in maintaining retinal health.
Emerging Treatments Offer New Hope for Dry and Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Promising new treatments in late-stage clinical trials could transform how we treat age-related macular degeneration.
Treatments for Macular Degeneration
Find information on treatment options for dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.
Every Donation is a Step Forward in the Fight Against Macular Degeneration
Your donation powers cutting-edge research and helps scientists explore new treatments. Help bring us closer to a cure and provide valuable information to the public.
Grants & Scientists
Apply for a Research Grant
Macular Degeneration Research provides research funds for U.S. domestic and international researchers pursuing pioneering research leading to greater understanding, prevention, and treatment for macular degeneration.