Funded research postgraduate opportunity at WIT
Title: Enrichment of Macular Pigment and its Impact on Vision and Blindness Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trials (CREST)
Code: WD/2012/01Supervisor(s): Dr John Nolan
Description
Project Outline:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. The macula, the central part of the retina, is responsible for optimal spatial vision. There is a growing body of evidence that a lack of a dietary pigment at the macula, known as macular pigment (MP), is associated with increased risk of AMD.
MP contains the carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-zeaxanthin (meso-Z). The typical western diet contains around 60 carotenoids, and 18 have been identified in human serum. However, only three carotenoids are found at the macula, indicating the unique biological selectivity for their uptake at this location. The function of MP remains undetermined. It is likely that the accumulation of MP has evolved because of its optical and antioxidant properties. For example, MP limits retinal oxidative damage passively (through filtration of blue light) and actively (by quenching free radicals). Furthermore, its optical properties suggest a key role for MP in enhancing visual performance and supporting optimal vision by reducing the effects of chromatic aberration and light scatter.
Recent research has shown that MP can be augmented by dietary supplementation in most (but not all) subjects, suggesting that the macular concentrations of these carotenoids are suboptimal in many people. My research group has discovered that a dip in the central portion of this pigment, seen in around 12% of individuals, is an undesirable feature of its spatial profile and may be linked to an inability to generate meso-Z at the macula. Significantly, central dips in MP are more common in patients with AMD. We have also identified that enrichment of MP, including reconstruction of undesirable central dips, can be achieved by inclusion of meso-Z in a dietary supplement. We propose to uniquely enrich MP, with all three macular carotenoids, and assess its impact on visual performance and experience in normal subjects, and in subjects with AMD. This groundbreaking study will advance our understanding of the protective and optical hypothesis of MP, and potentially improve normal vision and prevent or delay blindness due to AMD.
We propose to investigate the potential benefits of central retinal enrichment by conducting the following scientific experiments:
Trial One: An investigation into the potential impact of MP enrichment in normal subjects, where the outcome measure is visual performance and experience.
Trial Two: An investigation into the potential impact of MP enrichment in subjects with early AMD (drusen and/or pigmentary changes at the macula), where the outcome measure is visual function assessed by psychophysical methods.
The concept here is that we can enhance visual performance and experience in early life while protecting vision into later life.
Qualifications/profile required to undertake this study:
Degree in Science
A background in vision and/or nutrition required. Experience required in the fields of: science, optometry, ophthalmology, and/or optics.
Monthly Stipend: €1333.33 Fees also covered (circa €5000 per year)
Additional details:
We are currently offering two PhD positions for this study, as follows:
One study will focus on enrichment of macular pigment, as described above, and how such enrichment impacts on vision and visual performance at a very sensitive level.
The second study will also endeavour to enrich macular pigment in patients with early AMD, and test the impact of such enrichment for vision in this target population.
The interview that will take place will do so with both positions in mind.
To apply:
Please download and complete the Postgraduate Application form* and return it with a CV and cover letter to the Research Postgraduate Admissions, Registrars Office, Waterford Institute of Technology, Cork Road, Waterford. Alternatively your application may be emailed to: pgadmissions@wit.ie
*Please note that under Section 3 of the Postgraduate Application Form, the "Title of Statement of your Proposed Research Topic" should be entered as "Enrichment of Macular Pigment and its Impact on Vision and Blindness: Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trials (CREST)"
Download the Application Form: PG Application Form
Closing Date: Extended to 23rd March 2012 at 5pm
To discuss these opportunities, please contact Sarah O'Regan. Tel: 051 845505 Email: soregan@wit.ie
