ABOUT THE DISEASES

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disorder that slowly robs people of their central vision. In it's advanced stages, people with AMD lose the ability to see straight ahead and can no longer drive, read, recognize faces, watch television, or do any fine work. For those suffering from AMD, this loss of independence can be devastating. Unfortunately,today there are no good treatments fo this incurable disorder. AMD currently affects 13 million people in the United States alone, and is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 55. This has become a growing public health concern, as over 200,000 Americans each year lose their vision to AMD. As the "baby boom" population ages, these numbers will increase dramatically.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a blinding eye disease that affects patients suffering from diabetes. It is a particularly devastating condition as it generally attacks both eyes, complicates an already difficult medical life. With regular examinations and treatment through laser therapy and surgery, loss of vision can often be slowed or minimized. Yet, despite these treatments over three million people currently have diabetic retinopathy. This disease remains the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 25-55. Only through research will we develop new ways to prevent and treat retinal diseases and save precious sight. In recent years, thanks to the help and support of many people, doctors at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and elsewhere have successfully developed a new treatment - photodynamic therapy - to isolate and safely destory unwanted blood vessels in the retina. A second treatment that blocks retinal blood vessel growth is currently in clinical trials and will soon be available as another option for treating macular degeneration, and eventually, diabetic retinopathy.

There is still a great deal of research to be donw to refine and improve these treatments, and other avenues of research, including geneticcs, to be further explored. Your support of the Retina Research Institute at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary will help to accelerate these sight-saving research efforts.

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