Composition of Calcium-Based Deposits in the Eye (IMAGE)

University College London

Composition of Calcium-Based Deposits in the Eye

Caption

Spheres of calcium-based compound hydroxyapatite (in purple), commonly found in teeth and bones. New UCL-led research has linked these tiny spheres to age-related macular degeneration. AMD is characterised by a build-up of mainly protein and fat containing deposits called 'drusen' in the retina. This image shows hydroxyapatite spheres (purple) within the eye, coated with complement factor H (CFH, in green), which has previously been linked to increased risk of AMD. The larger sphere is approximately 2 microns (thousandths of a millimetre) across.

Credit

Imre Lengyel, UCL

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.