National Non-profit Launches Month Long Campaign
to Raise Awareness about Age-related Macular Degeneration
and Provide Free Eye Exams to Seniors
Louisville, Ky . . . “Do You See What I See?” For seniors who suffer with an eye disease known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) the answer is always, “No.”
Picture this…. a large black hole in the center of your sight that robs you from seeing complete images and eats away at your vision from the inside out. That is what happens for the 10 million Americans who suffer from AMD. AMD is a devastating eye disease and the leading cause of vision loss in people 65 years or older in the United States. Everyone age 65 or older is at risk for losing your vision from AMD.
This holiday season, EyeCare America is launching an awareness campaign for AMD called “Do You See What I See?” to raise awareness about AMD, its risk factors and its treatment options. For seniors who have not been diagnosed with AMD, the national organization would like to connect those people with a free eye exam through its AMD EyeCare Program.
People can call the toll-free helpline at 1-866-324-EYES (3937) anytime, for themselves and/or family members and friends to see if they qualify for a free eye exam and care from one of EyeCare America’s 7,100 volunteer ophthalmologists nationwide and to request free AMD educational materials. The Taustine Eye Center is one of the local providers.
Callers who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years may be eligible to receive a comprehensive medical eye exam and, in most cases, up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. Eyeglasses, medicines, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not included.
This year-round program promotes annual eye exams for people 65 and older, raises awareness of AMD, provides the latest information about treatment options and low vision services, offers free AMD educational materials, and facilitates access to eye care. The eye exams will be provided by more than 7,100 volunteer ophthalmologists across the US.
“There is no cure for AMD, but early detection and treatment may lessen severe vision loss and slow the progression of the disease,” said Dr. Brian Kritchman from the Taustine Eye Center, a retina specialist who has treated patients with AMD for 20 years.
A new web site, www.eyecareamerica.org , contains up-to-date clinical information about cataracts reviewed by certified ophthalmologists (Eye MD’s) with links to current treatments and even an interactive tour of the eye’s anatomy. Visitors can share important health topics with family and friends through a convenient email forward function and order free pamphlets that give in-depth information on treatment, tests/diagnosis, causes and risks factors for a wide variety of common eye diseases.
What is AMD?
AMD, also known as macular (MAK-yoo-lar) degeneration, the central area of the retina known as the macula is losing function. The retina is made up of layers of nerve cells that sense light and allow you to see. Someone with macular degeneration might be able to see a clock, but not read the numbers, or when talking to you, not recognize your features. However, AMD usually does not damage the side vision, which is what one uses to get around without bumping into furniture or other objects.
What causes AMD?
Most people who get macular degeneration are over age 65. Some people but not all people lose their central vision slowly over many years. In 10 to 15 % of affected patients, vision loss is sudden if abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood under the retina.
The AMD EyeCare Program is designed for people who have NOT been diagnosed with AMD and who:
- Are age 65 and older
- Are US citizens or legal residents
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
- Do not belong to an HMO or the VA
The AMD EyeCare Program is co-sponsored by Alcon, Inc., Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Genentech, Inc., Novartis Ophthalmics and Pfizer Ophthalmics.
If you have questions about Macular Degeneration or other eye conditions please contact The Taustine Eye Center at 502-558-9004 for more information.
If you are a member of the media click here to email Pam Gersh or call 502-327-0407.
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