It's the most common cause of vision impairment in the United States. Later this month, AMD will be the subject of a free public seminar at the Casey Eye Institute on the campus of Oregon Health Sciences University . Leading experts will discuss the latest research in the treatment of this disease, including laser and drug therapy, nutrition, rehabilitation, and genetics. A social worker will address the emotional impact macular degeneration can have on some patients and their families.
Macular degeneration is a physical disturbance in the center of the retina called the macula.
Patients suffering from macular degeneration often report a loss of central vision and a decrease in their ability to see details clearly. A severe form of the disease can result in legal blindness. However, it does not cause total loss of vision, even in the most advanced cases. For years, researchers at the Macular Degeneration Center in the Casey Eye Institute have been dedicated to improving the methods used in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease. In addition, doctors in the Elks Children's Eye Clinic treat young patients afflicted with a less common form called juvenile macular degeneration.