Alpha MSH in Ocular Disease

The purpose of this study is gain a better understanding of a molecule called alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha MSH) and its potential role in your retinal disease. Alpha MSH has been shown to have an important role in the regulation of ocular immunity in animal models of inflammatory retinal diseases and retinal dystrophies, and there may be a protective effect of alpha MSH. By studying the levels of alpha MSH in your eye we may better understand its role in advanced dry macular degeneration. By studying the levels of this molecule we hope to better understand if it may be a good target for future treatment.

A small amount (0.1 mL) of aqueous humor would be removed from the study eye in the clinic setting. This sample will be processed and then sent off for measurement of alpha MSH levels.