Eyes

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on macular degeneration. National Eye Institute Public Information Office  Phone: 301-496-5248 Email: 2020@nei.nih.gov  www.nei.nih.gov American Academy of Ophthalmology  Phone: 415-561-8555 Ext. 223 http://www.aao.org/ Macular Degeneration Foundation  Phone: 1-888-633-3937 www.eyesight.org American Foundation for the Blind  Phone: 1-800-232-5463 Phone: 212-502-7662TDD (access for the hard-of-hearing)

Here are definitions of medical terms related to macular degeneration. Antioxidants: Nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E that protect cells in the body from damage that can occur from contact with oxygen. Cataract: A clouding of the lens of the eye. Clinical trial: A medical experiment used to decide if a potential new treatment for disease is

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes the loss of the sharp, central vision needed for many daily tasks. Macular degeneration most often occurs as people age, although a form of it can affect children. Symptoms of macular degeneration include

Here are some frequently asked questions related to macular degeneration. Q: I’ve just been diagnosed with AMD. So far my only problem is a very slight distortion of sight in my right eye. Telephone poles and other straight-line objects look a little curved. My left eye is fine. But I’m concerned about the future. Will

Research studies are underway on the causes, prevention, and treatment of AMD. The Federal Government has given AMD higher priority in recent years. That’s because AMD will become a more serious national health problem as “baby boomers” grow older. Scientists are trying to identify genes that cause AMD, or increase risk for the disease. Once

Clinical trials do provide people with the earliest possible access to potential new treatments for a disease. In addition to the benefits, there are potential risks of being in a clinical trial. The new treatment, for instance, may not be effective and may have unrecognized side effects. Among the trials underway are surgery to remove

If detected at an early stage, wet AMD can be treated with two methods, laser surgery or photodynamic therapy. Laser Surgery Laser surgery is done in a doctor’s office or clinic and takes only a few minutes. Individuals undergoing treatment may get a local anesthetic to ease any discomfort from a contact placed on the

There is no proven treatment for dry AMD. Doctors usually watch or monitor dry AMD for the first signs that it is progressing to the more dangerous wet AMD. People with dry AMD usually return to the eye doctor on a regular basis for checkups every 6 to 12 months. They also may be given

The doctor will take your medical history, ask about changes in your vision, and check your eyesight. Then you will get tests that can detect not just AMD, but other eye problems such as glaucoma and retina detachments. The doctor will give you eye drops that enlarge, or dilate, the pupil of the eye. Dilating