New research from the University of Kentucky has identified DICER 1 (dicer 1 ribonuclease type III), an RNAi processing enzyme, to be involved in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Levels of the micro-RNA processing enzyme were found to be significantly lower in patients with the eye disorder compared to non-AMD control eyes (p=0.0036). Examination of eyes that had suffered other retinal diseases showed that levels of DICER 1 were normal suggesting the observation may be specific to dry AMD alone.