Parkinson's disease drug delays onset of age-related macular degeneration

L-DOPA, a routine drug taken by patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, has been found to delay the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The research is being presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Denver, Colo.

In a study investigating over 15 million people, individuals taking L-DOPA were significantly less likely to develop AMD, and when they did, the age of onset was significantly later. These results suggest L-DOPA may be useful in both preventing and delaying the disease.

AMD is the leading cause of irreversible visual loss in developed countries, causing deterioration of the central part of one's gaze.

Abstract Title: Inverse Association Between L-DOPA and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Presentation Start/End Time: Tuesday, May 5, 8:30 - 10:15am
Location: Exhibit Hall
Abstract Number: 2818- C0046