Age-Related Macular Degeneration (cont.)
Other Treatment
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used to treat wet AMD. It uses a light-sensitive dye to block abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula.
It can only be used in a few cases.6
Electronic devices
Researchers are investigating tiny implants in the retina and other devices that replace damaged cells that capture light and send information to the brain. It likely will be several years before we know what role these devices will play in treating AMD. But promising results from early studies show that these devices may someday be used to restore lost vision.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| EyeCare America |
| P.O. Box 429098 |
| San Francisco, CA 94142-9098 |
| Phone: | 1-877-887-6327 toll-free |
| Fax: | (415) 561-8567 |
| Web Address: | www.eyecareamerica.org |
|
EyeCare America is a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This site aims to raise awareness about eye diseases and eye care. It has information about eye conditions, treatments, and general eye health. You can check to see if you qualify for a free eye exam. |
|
| Macular Degeneration Foundation |
| P.O. Box 531313 |
| Henderson, NV 89053 |
| Phone: | 1-888-633-3937 |
| Fax: | (702) 450-3396 |
| Web Address: | www.eyesight.org |
|
The Macular Degeneration Foundation provides extensive online explanations about various aspects of macular degeneration. It also includes information about new research and treatments. The organization publishes an electronic newsletter called The Magnifier. Distributed free by e-mail, it includes news regarding clinical trials, recent reports in the media, and information about new resources available over the Internet. |
|
| Macular Degeneration Partnership |
| 8733 Beverly Boulevard |
| Suite 201 |
| Los Angeles, CA 90048 |
| Phone: | 1-888-430-9898 |
| Fax: | (310) 423-0163 |
| Web Address: | www.amd.org |
|
The Macular Degeneration Partnership is a nonprofit organization that offers comprehensive, easily understood, and up-to-date information about macular degeneration through the Internet, telephone, public events, and printed materials. The organization also supports research and coordinates advocacy efforts. |
|
| Macular Degeneration Research |
| 22512 Gateway Center Drive |
| Clarksburg, MD 20871 |
| Phone: | 1-800-437-2423 |
| Fax: | (301) 948-4403 |
| Email: | dhatzer@ahaf.org |
| Web Address: | www.ahaf.org/macular |
|
The American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) is a nonprofit organization that funds research seeking cures for Alzheimer's disease, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. This Web site provides information about risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, and coping strategies for age-related macular degeneration. |
|
| National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health |
| Information Office |
| 31 Center Drive MSC 2510 |
| Bethesda, MD 20892-2510 |
| Phone: | (301) 496-5248 |
| Email: | 2020@nei.nih.gov |
| Web Address: | www.nei.nih.gov |
|
As part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the National Eye Institute provides information on eye diseases and vision research. Publications are available to the public at no charge. The Web site includes links to various information resources. |
|
