The devastating effect of sight loss in many elderly Americans can be eased by a new medical treatment that can reduce further loss. Ten million Americans are affected with AMD and related eye diseases. Most frequently, the disease begins to appear in people over age 60. And it can occur in those as young as 40. The part of the eye known as the macula allows for central vision that's necessary for reading, driving and recognizing faces.
Symptoms can develop quickly and legal blindness can occur in a matter of weeks if left unattended.
In fact, the wet form of AMD accounts for nearly 90 percent of all blindness from the disease. While the cause of macular degeneration is unknown, medical science is working in several areas to find a cure, or at least slow down or stabilize loss of vision. One such treatment that offers new hope is proton beam therapy. A study of macular degeneration patients begun at Southern California's Loma Linda University Medical Center proton treatment center more than three years ago treated the wet form of the disease with proton therapy. To date, more than 80 patients have experienced encouraging results.