by Dan Roberts Originally published July 2004 By their choice of words, eye care professionals, public relations writers and media reporters hold the power to influence the psychological impact of macular degeneration on newly-diagnosed patients. This article attempts to bring awareness of terminology that is both accurate and sensitive to patient welfare, thereby establishing a [Read More]
News
Second AMD Gene Discovered
A second gene, called fibulin 5, has been shown to be related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The discovery was announced in the July 22, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine by a team from the Research Center for Macular Degeneration and Allied Retinal Diseases at the University of Iowa. Earlier research [Read More]
What is Visual Impairment?
by Dan Roberts 2004 Visual impairment is ranked third behind arthritis and heart disease as the most common condition causing a need for assistance with activities of daily living for persons 70 years and older. It is, however, often overlooked in the home care setting when treating patients for other conditions. (Source: A caregiver’s eye [Read More]
Beta Carotene And Smoking
by Dan Roberts July 2004 As most of us are aware, beta carotene (i.e. vitamin A) has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers [Finnish Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) study]. For this reason, people who smoke, or have recently smoked, are being advised to avoid supplements containing beta carotene. This [Read More]
Saving Lives: The Impact of Vision Loss in Later Life
by Lylas G. Mogk, M.D. & Marja Mogk Presented by Dr. Mogk at the Pfizer Ophthalmology Therapeutic Area Conference March 25, 2004 I. Introduction Every year Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) causes more than 200,000 Americans to lose their central vision, and many more are already living with vision loss. In fact, macular degeneration alone has [Read More]