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UPDATE:
Further Research on Cataract Surgery and Progression of AMD
Since both AMD and cataracts are age-related conditions, large numbers of people are expected to have both at the same time. While cataract surgery can improve visual function and quality of life, there have been a number of concerns about cataract surgery accelerating the development or progression of AMD. But there is good news.
Read More
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Heart Disease Medicines and AMD We know from previous research that
many things that are good for your heart are also good for your eyes. Heart-healthy habits such as exercise, consuming a healthy diet with colorful fruits,
vegetables and leafy greens, eating omega 3-rich fish, and limiting saturated
fats, are important for preventing or slowing age-related macular degeneration
(AMD).But can heart disease treatments such as aspirin and statins also help protect against AMD? Recent
research published in Ophthalmology, the journal of the
American
Academy of Ophthalmology,
took a look at the two popular treatments and AMD risk and disease
progression. Read More
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| Preventing AMD |
Help Family and Friends Save Vision in 2010
If you are living with the effects of macular disease, you know its impact all too well. But did you know that recent research by AMD Alliance International showed that most people obtained their awareness about AMD through someone who had the disease? By encouraging loved ones to adopt eye-healthy habits and seek regular eye exams, you can have a powerful influence on their vision health!
AMDAI suggests five easy ways you can encourage family and friends to prevent macular degeneration.
1. See an eye doctor. For those 50 and older, or those with risk factors (see below), AMDAI recommends regular eye exams.
2. Know the risk factors of AMD. Age is the biggest risk factor. Others include family history, smoking, diet, hypertension, obesity, light skin or eye color and severe farsightedness. In addition, anyone with questions about whether they are at risk of developing AMD can take the AMD Challenge: Click Here
3. Eat an eye-healthy diet. Foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, selenium, Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, copper, the carotenoids - lycopene, zeaxanthin and lutein are among those that can play a major role in promoting eye health. Eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and fish such as salmon or mackerel.
4. Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk and severity of macular degeneration.
5. Exercise. Research shows that build up of fats in the body can contribute to macular degeneration. Regular vigorous exercise can help prevent macular degeneration.
While AMD is not curable, in many cases the disease can be prevented or slowed and its debilitating effects can be effectively managed. You can be a powerful advocate to help loved ones protect their sight. We hope you will urge everyone you know to make healthy vision a priority in 2010. | |
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Film/Video Contest
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Deadline Approaching!
 You don't have to be a professional filmmaker to enter AMD Alliance International's short film/video contest. With a Grand Prize of $10,000, people all over the world are invited to submit videos in English (or
with English subtitles) no longer than three minutes in length.
The
video should help create an understanding and awareness of macular
degeneration, a disease that is the most common cause of vision loss in
the western world.
The contest will end on Feb. 28, 2010. Winners will be announced on March 31. Click Here for Rules and Details.
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Point of View
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The Geddes Glide Reader
Dr. Bob Thompson, Chair Emeritus, AMDAI
When I was just a wee lad my engineer
father bought me a box of Meccano, an intriguing collection of metal strips
with holes in, pulleys, wheels, tiny motors and a heap of other bits and
pieces, from which I was able to design and build simple devices, such as a
cyclotron and a scanning electron microscope, which I presented to a proud, but
mildly bewildered, parent. The Geddes Glide Reader reminds me, fondly, of my
much loved Meccano kit. There are two reasons why I like this device: it works-and it's cheap. It brings CCTV (closed circuit television) technology well
within the affordable range for a lot of folks for whom the more sophisticated,
sleek, CCTV systems are beyond the financial pale. At £65
(about $US100 at time of writing) it is a fraction of the cost of comparable
systems which weigh in from £1,000 upwards. The big saving is it
doesn't come with a screen, instead you plug it into your own TV, tuned to its
video channel. The GGR is sufficiently compact to be portable, as long as you
have access to a TV set. To learn more, see photos of the GGR and find out about ordering, Click Here.
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AMD Alliance International
Bringing Hope and Help to People Living with AMD
AMD Alliance International is the only international organization in the world dedicated exclusively to promoting awareness, treatment and research into macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in the developed world. With more than 60 organizational members in 25 countries, we are comprised of the worlds' leading vision, seniors and research organizations.
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