Researchers reveal new genetic risk for severe macular degeneration
The research team led by UniMelb, WEHI and the Centre for Eye Research Australia, includes Prof Erica Fletcher (DAP) and Prof Alice Pébay (DAP), with the study published in Nature Communications.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide for people over 50. Current treatments slow disease progression but don’t cure it.
This latest research study has found specific genetic factors linked to the occurrence of reticular pseudodrusen which are the deposits found under the retina that are often found in AMD. Researchers have pinpointed a difference in genetic changes where reticular pseudodrusen is present.
Image (CERA): Left to Right - A/Prof Zhichao Wu, Prof Alice Pebay, Prof Robyn Guymer, Prof Erica Fletcher, Prof Melanie Bahlo, Dr Brendan Ansell and Dr Carla Abbott.
This was a very exciting collaborative effort and so important for our understanding of the genetic causes of age related macular degeneration. It was a privilege to be able to contribute to such important work. I think the outcomes of this study will lead to a new direction in research.
This article was originally published by the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) on 8 December 2025.