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Alliance
for Aging Launches Age-Related Macular Degeneration Campaign
Free
Education Materials Available at Online 'AMD Health Corner'
July 7, 2004 - The Alliance for Aging Research, a
not- for-profit organization, has launched a new campaign on a leading
cause of vision loss in people over 60, Age-Related Macular Degeneration
(AMD). This project is geared towards physicians - mainly
ophthalmologists and optometrists - and patients on how to recognize and
cope with the effects of AMD.
As part of the campaign, an Internet module has
been added to the Alliance for Aging Research website (http://www.agingresearch.org),
allowing consumers and physicians to access the latest scientific
information relating to Age- Related Macular Degeneration through an
"AMD Health Corner." The module includes all of the new campaign
materials including a brochure of patient frequently asked questions and
answers, a "Test Your Eye-Q" quiz which measures your understanding of
and risk for AMD, facts for physicians on providing efficient and
effective care, and sources that physicians can direct their patients to
for obtaining further information on AMD. Much of the information on the
module is also available in a hard copy format for both physicians and
their patients.
Of most interest to consumers is the free FAQ
brochure, which includes answers to the following:
* What is AMD and how does it affect my vision?
* Does AMD have any symptoms?
* How can I find out if I have AMD?
* What can be done to treat AMD?
* Are scientists looking for new treatments?
AMD is a condition that affects the macula, a small
central part of the retina that allows one to see fine detail clearly.
It is said to be the leading cause of irreversible vision lost in people
beyond age 60 in the United States. Sources estimate as many as 13
million people ages 40 or older in the U.S. have signs of AMD, while
more than 1.2 million people have the vision-threatening stages of the
disease.
The materials for this campaign were produced by
the Alliance for Aging Research in partnership with the National Eye
Institute, NIH. The materials were made possible through an unrestricted
educational grant from Novartis Ophthalmics. To obtain the free brochure
or other campaign materials, visit the Alliance website at http://www.agingresearch.org
or call 202-293-2856.
Founded in 1986, the Alliance for Aging Research is
a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to supporting and
accelerating the pace of medical discoveries to vastly improve the
universal human experience of aging. The Alliance combines the interests
of top scientists, public officials, business executives and foundation
and academic leaders to promote a greater national investment in
research and new technologies that will prepare our nation for the
coming senior boom, and improve the quality of life for older Americans.
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