A family of gene products whose most common member, messenger RNA (mRNA), is used as a template for making protein.

A treatment method that destroys "bad" RNA to get rid of "bad" disease-causing protein.

A photoreceptor cell responsible for black and white, night and peripheral (side) vision.

Rod-cone dystrophy results from a primary loss of rod photoreceptors, followed by loss of cones.

see Retinitis Pigmentosa

see Retinal Pigment Epithelium

The tough, outer, protective shell of the eye.

The chromosomes inherited from both parents that contain the genetic material that determines the sex of an individual. X-linked diseases are caused by mutations of genes on the X chromosome.

Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration. The progressive vision loss associated with Stargardt disease is caused by the death of photoreceptor cells in the central portion of the retina called the macula.

A self-renewing, unspecialized cell that is capabile of becoming any one of a number of more specialized cells.

A misalignment of the eyes (pointing in and/or out). This situation may be due to eye muscle problems.

Also see Neuroprotective Therapy.  Proteins, or drugs, that promote the health and survival of nerve cells, including photoreceptors.

Unhealthy types of fat that may increase the risk of developing AMD.

A radiant component of sunlight, invisible to the eye, that is characterized by short wavelengths and high energy. It will damage the retina (as well as the skin) with lengthy, unprotected exposure. If you use nutritional supplementation, please consult with your personal physician and ophthalmologist as your personal health situation may require monitoring or a non-typical approach and nutritional supplements may interfere with prescribed medicines.

There are many different types of this dietary fat - some have been linked to positive health effects (see DHA; docosahexaenoic acid) and others have been linked to a risk of developing cardiovascular disease and AMD (see Trans Fats).

Usher syndrome is an inherited condition characterized by hearing impairment and progressive vision loss. Balance may also be affected. Symptoms vary from person to person and progress at different rates.

The "vehicle" or carrier for delivering genes or genetic information into the cell, particularly useful for gene therapy.

A class of proteins that causes new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and maintains the natural "leakiness" inherent in vessels. These are normal body functions, which, if they happen where they shouldn't (such as in the retina), can cause disease, such as AMD.

see Photodynamic Therapy

A measure of the ability to distinguish fine visual details.