Saving Sight
Our November event was all about the eye: Professor Steve Moss, from the UCL Institute of
Ophthalmology, gave an exciting talk, organised in collaboration with ‘Fight for Sight,’ the
Eye Research Charity.
People gathered for a truly cosy evening at the Cittie of Yorke pub. Steve talked us through
eye diseases, how to treat them, and new scientific approaches to save sight.
In his talk, Steve explained the causes of AMD and Glaucoma, which both result in dying
cells. His research identified and led to the production of a fluorescent antibody that can
detect dying cells in the retina. This can help to quantify the efficiency of drugs after 1-2
weeks, instead of having to wait for 2-3 years before effects on vision become apparent.
Steve’s group also investigated excessive blood vessel growth in the retina (a phenomenon
that leads to excessive fibrosis and then loss of sight). Interestingly, excessive blood vessel
growth also happens in cancer. The researchers are working on blocking a protein that
initiates excessive blood vessel growth in both - eye diseases and cancer. If successful, they
will develop a drug that would potentially save the eyesight of millions of people as well as
providing a potential treatment for some types of cancer.
Following Steve’s great talk, we had a very lively discussion about differences in glaucoma
and diabetes-related eye problems; different approaches taken by science funding agencies;
pharma research vs. university research; as well as personal questions regarding eye laser
therapy. The audience was incredibly curious, and Steve did a great job answering all the
questions which the audience threw at him.
Thank you, Steve, for such an amazing talk - and a big thank you to the audience, for being
so curious and for turning this evening into another great success!
