Thomas Lee

Publications (2)2.49 Total impact

• Article: Genetics of age-related macular degeneration.

  Andrew Y C Ting, Thomas K M Lee, Ian M MacDonald
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  ABSTRACT: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was until recently viewed as a part of the normal aging process; however, we are increasingly aware that genetic factors play a much greater role than previously suspected. This review will provide an up-to-date snapshot of the genetics of AMD to help guide our thoughts about its causes and the risk for family members. Epidemiological research and basic bench research have identified pathways of oxidative stress, lipid metabolism and inflammation as playing causative roles in the pathogenesis of AMD. Emerging research is focusing on the biology of the retinal pigment epithelium as secreting pro and anti-inflammatory mediators in the eye. Antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy has dramatically improved the prognosis for neovascular or wet AMD patients. Nutritional supplementation with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids has provided treatment options for patients with atrophic or dry AMD. We should expect that some of the response to therapy might be genetically determined. First-degree relatives of patients with AMD tend to have a higher risk of AMD. Recognizing an inherent genetic risk of AMD in these patients will improve their management and potentially help prevent blindness.
  Current opinion in ophthalmology 08/2009; 20(5):369-76. · 2.49 Impact Factor
• Article: Complementary angiographic and autofluorescence findings in pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

  Thomas K M Lee, Farzin Forooghian, Catherine Cukras, Wai T Wong, Emily Y Chew, Catherine B Meyerle
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  ABSTRACT: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a systemic disease with characteristic findings on fundus examination. The fundus findings may be difficult to detect with ophthalmoscopy. A case report is described as follows. A PXE patient had subtle retinal findings on fundoscopy that were more prominently seen using a combination of both fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. The fundus features visualized using each of these two modalities appeared different from each other. FAF imaging and ICG angiography may be able to more prominently detect pathology at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane, respectively. The use of these imaging modalities together may be complementary and useful in the evaluation of patients with PXE.
  International Ophthalmology 11/2008; 30(1):77-9.