The Discovery Eye Foundation (DEF) Foundations and Corporations

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The Discovery Eye Foundation (DEF) Foundations and Corporations FUNDING THE FOUNDATION WHO WE ARE DEF relies on donations from individuals, The Discovery Eye Foundation (DEF) foundations and corporations. Board of Directors 5% exists to facilitate the development of Corporations 5% cures and improve patient care through corneal and retinal research and educa - Individuals Events 15% tional programs for eye disease. 60% DEF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Foundations 15% THE The Discovery Eye Foundation DISCOVERY EYE DEF works to ensure that every resource • supports groundbreaking research goes to fund our vision-saving research and FOUNDATION • provides outreach and education for our outreach and education programs. people affected by keratoconus and Fundraising 10% macular degeneration through two 6222 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 260 General Operating 7% Retinal programs: Research National Keratoconus Los Angeles, CA 90048 45% MDP 6% phone: Foundation (NKCF) (310) 623-4466 NKCF 6% Corneal fax: Research Macular Degeneration (310) 623-1837 26% Partnership (MDP) e-mail: [email protected] HOW TO GIVE WAYS TO HELP DEF www.discoveryeye.org The To make a secure donation online, please visit • www.discoveryeye.org. Make a gift of cash or securities. our Web site at • Discovery Make a gift in memory of a loved one For additional information and assistance, or in honor of a special occasion. Eye • please contact Susan Lee DeRemer, vice pres - Include DEF in your estate plans. ident of development, at (310) 623-4466 or • Foundation [email protected]. Donate your time as a volunteer. www.discoveryeye.org DEF RESEARCH DEF RESOURCES DEF EDUCATION AND MAKE A GIFT OUTREACH PROGRAMS The Discovery Eye Foundation Since 1970, In addition to supporting important research, DEF depends on your donations to help people The National Keratoconus Foundation with low or no vision due to eye disease. has supported innovative research projects The Discovery Eye Foundation provides invalu - related to corneal and retinal research. able resources to people with eye disease, their Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disorder that PJlease direct my gift to: families, caregivers and medical practitioners. The Discovery Eye Foundation Morris S. Pynoos Eye Research causes structural changes within the cornea, J At the causing it to thin and change to a more conical J Macular Degeneration Partnership Laboratories www.discoveryeye.org National Keratoconus Foundation on the campus of the University DEFʼs Web site at shape than its normal gradual curve, greatly J of California, Irvine, DEF-supported scientists contains a wealth of information in one easy-to- affecting sight. Keratoconus occurs in about one J Enclosed is my tax-deductible gift of $_____ conduct groundbreaking eye-related research: navigate location, out of every 2,000 people in the general popu - Please make mPylegaifsteinnomteo: DntEhFlywdillosntoaptions including the most lation and is usually first diagnosed in young ochfa$rg_i_ng__yo_u_r_c_ar.d upon your request. DEF is the lead partner, in collaboration with up-to-date informa- Stem Cell Reti - people in puberty through their late teens. the Lincy Foundation, in the tion on research www.nkcf.org Please charge my gift to my credit card: nal Regeneration Program Please visit for information. J J J , a study that and trials; helpful American Express MasterCard Visa includes researchers from 10 other national tips and tricks for The Macular Degeneration Partnership _____________________________________ and international universities. people living with Macular degeneration is a medical condition Credit-Card Number Expires eye disease; referrals, resources and refer - Age-related Macular Degener - that results in a loss of central vision because _____________________________________ Through the ences; and much more. ation Genetics Program of damage to the macula at the back of the eye. Name on Card (please print) , DEF researchers newsletter Macular degeneration affects the ability to read, study alterations in specific genes that play The DEF is published four times per _____________________________________ recognize faces and handle other simple day- Signature a part in the development of age-related year, offering key updates and information to to-day tasks, though some peripheral vision macular degeneration. keep people connected to _____________________________________ usually remains. Age-related macular degener - the foundation and the eye Address Corneal Transplantation and Scarring ation (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in The community. In addition to _____________________________________ Research Program Americans above the age of 60. studies new technolo - being mailed to those who City State ZIP gies to improve transplantation results, as request it, the newsletter _____________________________________ well as the causes of corneal scarring to may be viewed online at E-mail Phone prevent corneal blindness. www.discoveryeye.org. J Please mail me the DEF newsletter. J DEF also supports research on I prefer to receive an e-mail link to the The Discovery Eye Foundationʼs outreach and sight with AMD normal sight online newsletter. • NKCF MDP J Diabetic Retinopathy • education programs through and www.amd.org Please send me information about including Glaucoma ensure those affected by keratoconus and Please visit for information. DEF in my estate plan. • J Keratoconus macular degeneration have crucial support My employer has a matching-gifts program. • AMD photos: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health Please include a copy of the matching-gifts form. Ocular Herpes and resources. Please mail your donation to DEF at: 6222 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 260 www.discoveryeye.org Los Angeles, CA 90048.
Recommended publications
  • Vision Rehabi I Itation for Patients with Age Related Macular Degeneration
    Vision rehabi I itation for GARY S. RUBIN patients with age­ related macular degeneration Epidemiology of low vision The over-representation of macular degeneration patients in the low-vision clinic is The epidemiology of vision impairment is dealt reflected in the chief complaints of those with in detail elsewhere.1 However, there is one referred for rehabilitation. A study of 1000 particularly salient factor that bears emphasis. consecutive patients seen at the Wilmer Low The prevalence of vision impairment increases Vision clinic indicated that 64% listed 'reading' dramatically with advancing age. Statistics as their chief complaint, while other activities compiled in the UK by the Royal National were identified by fewer than 8% of patients. Institute for the Blind2 indicate that there were Undoubtedly the bias towards reading approximately 1.1 million blind or partially problems results partly from the nature of the sighted persons in 1996, of whom 82% were 65 low-vision services offered. Those served by a years of age or older. Thus it is not surprising to community-based programme that includes learn that the major causes of vision impairment home visits might be more likely to report are age-related eye diseases. Fig. 1 illustrates the problems with activities of daily living, while a distribution of causes of vision impairment blind rehabilitation centre would be more likely 5 from three recent studies?- Approximately to address mobility issues. Nevertheless, most equal percentages are attributed to macular macular degeneration patients are referred to degeneration and cataract, with smaller hospital or optometry clinic services, and as percentages for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy their overwhelming concern is with reading, and optic neuropathies.
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  • Symptoms of Age Related Macular Degeneration
    WHAT IS MACULAR DEGENERATION? wavy or crooked, visual distortions, doorway and the choroid are interrupted causing waste or street signs seem bowed, or objects may deposits to form. Lacking proper nutrients, the light- Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is appear smaller or farther away than they sensitive cells of the macula become damaged. a disease that may either suddenly or gradually should, decrease in or loss of central vision, and The damaged cells can no longer send normal destroy the macula’s ability to maintain sharp, a central blurry spot. signals from the macula through the optic nerve to central vision. Interestingly, one’s peripheral or DRY: Progression with dry AMD is typically slower your brain, and consequently your vision becomes side vision remains unaffected. AMD is the leading de-gradation of central vision: need for increasingly blurred cause of “legal blindness” in the United States for bright illumination for reading or near work, diffi culty In either form of AMD, your vision may remain fi ne persons over 65 years of age. AMD is present in adapting to low levels of illumination, worsening blur in one eye up to several years even while the other approximately 10 percent of the population over of printed words, decreased intensity or brightness of eye’s vision has degraded. Most patients don’t the age of 52 and in up to 33 percent of individuals colors, diffi culty recognizing faces, gradual increase realize that one eye’s vision has been severely older than 75. The macula allows alone gives us the in the haziness of overall vision, and a profound drop reduced because your brain compensates the bad ability to have: sharp vision, clear vision, color vision, in your central vision acuity.
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  • Macular Degeneration
    DRIVEWELL Driving When You Have Macular Degeneration You have been a safe driver for years. For you, driving means freedom and control. As you get older, changes in your physical and mental health can affect how safely you drive. Macular degeneration (also known as age-related macular degeneration) damages the macula, a spot near the center of the retina (light-sensitive inner lining of the eyeball). It is a common eye problem among older drivers that makes it hard to drive safely. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people 65 and older. If you have macular degeneration, you may not notice any signs in the early stages. You may not know you have this condition until you lose your peripheral vision (what you see out of the corner of your eyes). In time it will affect your central vision, causing a dark or empty area in the center of your vision. How Can Macular Degeneration Affect the Way I Drive? • Your central vision may be dull and blurry. This can lead to loss of sharp vision. • You may not see the road, street signs, lane markers, and even people and bicyclists in the road. • You may need more bright light to see up close. • Colors may look less vivid or bright. • You may have trouble when you go from bright light to low light. • You may not be able to recognize people’s faces. What Should I Do if I Have Any of These Signs? As soon as you notice any of these warning signs: • Tell your family or someone close to you, especially if you have a family history of macular degeneration or have changes in your central vision.
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  • Detached and Torn Retina Retinal Detachments Occur in 1 out of 10,000 Americans Each Year
    Detached and Torn Retina Retinal Detachments Occur in 1 Out of 10,000 Americans Each Year A retinal detachment is not as common as other eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, however… it is just as serious and it is a vision threatening condition which should be treated as an emergency. Dr. Randy Katz, Florida Eye’s Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Detachment & Macular Degeneration Specialist says that the sooner a retinal tear or detachment is treated the better the chances of saving the vision in the eye. What Is a Retinal Detachment? The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled from its normal position. When this occurs, if not promptly treated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. In some cases there may be small areas of the retina that are torn. These areas, called retinal tears or retinal breaks, can lead to a retinal detachment. Vitreous gel, the clear material that fills the eyeball, is attached to the retina in the back of the eye. As we get older, the vitreous may change shape, pulling away from the retina. If the vitreous pulls a piece of the retina with it, it causes a retinal tear. Once a retinal tear occurs, vitreous fluid may seep through and lift the retina off the back wall of the eye, causing the retina to detach or pull away. 2 Are You At Risk for a Torn or Detached Retina? A retinal detachment can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over age 40.
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  • Refractive Error Is a Disease of the Eye, and We Should Treat It
    Refractive error is a disease of the eye, and we should treat it. believe that refractive error is a disease of the eye— no different from glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other issues for which we readily offer treatment. In the world of modern cataract and refractive surgery, we have the capability to correct visual Iacuity that is compromised due to astigmatism and other types refractive error, so why shouldn't we treat astigmatism during cataract surgery? A large percentage of our cataract patients, about 75%, have at least 0.50 D of astigmatism. Even this small amount of astigmatism can and often does create issues visually for patients. The higher the My Philosophy of level of astigmatism, the more it can affect vision. My philosophy is, why not try to help these people? Correcting their astigmatism will help them to achieve better visual acuity, and this is even more crucial in patients who elect a multifocal, extended depth of focus, or other premium IOL. It is important to educate patients about their astigmatism and to relay to them what we can do ASTIGMATISM to correct it. The level of care and attention to detail affects everything, from our surgical outcomes, to the practice’s reputation, to future referral patterns. THRESHOLDS AND BEST PRACTICES My threshold for astigmatism treatment is about 0.75 D. Above that, the patient can lose contrast and can have functional visual acuity issues if the astig- MANAGEMENT matism is not addressed. I believe that correction of low astigmatism, especially, is low-hanging fruit, as it provides surgeons with an additional opportunity to improve their practices.
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  • A Bright Vision for the Future
    RetinaReview A newsletter from the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins SUMMER 2013 A Bright Vision for the Future here’s little doubt that improve patient outcomes in the Wilmer faculty. Our eight other diseases and disorders in years ahead. Fernando Arevalo assistant and associate retina pro- ophthalmology, specifi- serves as chief of the retina service fessors—unquestionably some of Tcally those that involve the for Wilmer’s collaboration with the the brightest stars in ophthalmol- retina, are some of the most vex- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital ogy—are bringing fresh insights and ing conditions in medicine today. in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From energy to today’s major challenges Retinal detachment, retinitis pig- 2006 to 2012, Neil Bressler led in retina research and patient care. mentosa, and retinal vein occlusion the National Institutes of Health- Read on to learn about how these are among retina conditions that sponsored Diabetic Retinopathy junior faculty members are working rob the vision of countless children Clinical Research Network, likely to harness telemedicine in the treat- and adults throughout the world. the largest collaborative clinical ment of retina diseases, attacking The good news? Thanks to ongo- research program in retina in the vision loss from retinal detachment ing advances by Wilmer’s retina world, and now serves as Past Chair. surgery or poor circulation to the specialists, dramatic strides are being retina, developing new imaging made. The most common causes of WILMER RETINA DIVISION and robotic approaches to retinal blindness, if left untreated, are reti- BY THE NUMBERS disease, and taking their renowned nal diseases, including age-related treatments and research to those macular degeneration and diabetic 7 Number of endowed throughout the region.
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  • Low Vision Devices for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: a Systematic Review
    LOW VISION DEVICES FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION 1 Low Vision Devices for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review Anne Macnamara, BPsy(Hons),1 Celia S. Chen, PhD,2 Andrew Davies, BASc,3 Charlotte Sloan,1 & Tobias Loetscher, PhD,1 1 Cognitive Ageing & Impairment Neurosciences Laboratory, UniSA Justice & Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia 2 College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia 3 Royal Society for the Blind, Adelaide, SA, Australia Corresponding author. Anne Macnamara Email: [email protected] Postal address: Campus Central – Magill, University of South Australia, St Bernards Road, Magill SA 5072 LOW VISION DEVICES FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION 2 Abstract Significance: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition impacting central vision. Evaluating the effectiveness of low vision devices provides empirical evidence on how devices can overcome deficits caused by AMD and facilitates discussion on future improvements to vision enhancement technology. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the use of low vision devices in AMD populations. Relevant peer-reviewed research articles from six databases were screened. Results: The findings of thirty-five studies revealed a significant impact of low vision devices leading to improvements in visual acuity, reading performance, facial recognition, and more. While the studies were generally found to have a moderate risk of bias, a GRADE assessment of the evidence suggests that the general certainty of the evidence was low-moderate. Conclusions: A positive effect of low vision devices was found for visual acuity, reading performance, facial recognition, and more.
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  • Using Photodynamic Therapy in 2019: Current Concepts for Real-World Use
    Supplement to May/June 2019 USING PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY Rishi P. Singh, MD, Moderator Vivek Chaturvedi, MD David S. Dyer, MD, FACS IN 2019: Amani Fawzi, MD Current Concepts for Real-World Use Distributed with Provided by A CME activity provided by Evolve Medical Education LLC Supported by a grant from Bausch + Lomb Using Photodynamic Therapy in 2019: Current Concepts for Real-World Use Release Date: May 15, 2019 Expiration Date: May 15, 2020 FACULTY RISHI P. SINGH, MD VIVEK CHATURVEDI, MD DAVID S. DYER, MD, FACS AMANI FAWZI, MD MODERATOR Illinois Retina Associates Retina Associates Cyrus Tang and Lee Jampol Professor Staff Physician, Cole Eye Institute, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology Shawnee Mission, Kansas of Ophthalmology Cleveland Clinic Rush Medical Center Northwestern University Associate Professor of Chicago, Illinois Evanston, Illinois Ophthalmology Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Cleveland, Ohio CONTENT SOURCE • Identify methods for effective PDT delivery in clinic settings, This continuing medical education (CME) activity captures including dosing, infusion periods, and determination of content from a virtual round table discussion that occurred on treatment size March 28, 2019. • Differentiate the benefits of half fluence PDT and full fluence PDT on a real-world population ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION Verteporfin for photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been GRANTOR STATEMENT approved for decades as a treatment for retinal disorders. Eye Supported by a grant from Bausch + Lomb. care professionals need to understand all the real-world clinical scenarios in which the use of PDT alone or in combination with ACCREDITATION STATEMENT anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy can be a Evolve Medical Education LLC (Evolve) is accredited by more efficacious treatment option than anti-VEGF monotherapy.
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  • Clinical Findings and Management of Pathological Myopic Degeneration with Secondary Choroidal Neo-Vascular Membrane Macular Hemorrhages
    Case Report JOJ Ophthal Volume 6 Issue 3 - February 2018 Copyright © All rights are reserved by Brad Thomas Cunningham DOI: 10.19080/JOJO.2018.06.555690 Clinical Findings and Management of Pathological Myopic Degeneration with Secondary Choroidal Neo-Vascular Membrane Macular Hemorrhages Brad Thomas Cunningham* New England College of Optometry, USA Submission: January 29, 2018; Published: February 21, 2018 *Corresponding author: Brad Thomas Cunningham, New England College of Optometry, USA, Email: Abstract appears to be increasing [2]. Considered a small subpopulation of myopia, pathological myopia (PM) is a disease affecting up to three percent of theMyopia, world populationor nearsightedness with a 31 affects percent over chance 40 percent of inheritability of the people [3,4]. aged Since 12-54 the typical in the courseUnited ofStates PM varies [1]. This greatly gender with non-specific visual outcomes, condition it is treatmentcritical for optionsclinicians as tothey appreciate relate to the the severity case presented. of the clinical The expected findings, prevalence the course of of myopia the disease, and PM and demands take a collaborative our attention approach and further to treatment analysis. Newoptions and before alternative pursuing treatment interventions. options must This becase evaluated. report reviews the management of a patient with PM and discusses clinical findings and Keywords: Pathological myopia; Fluorescein angiography; Choroidal neovascular membrane Case Report surgeon, who successfully completed bilateral DCR’s. The patient Patient #1, a 36-year-old Filipino female Army active duty healed completely and continues her regiment of daily patanol dentist, presented in the optometry clinic on May 15, 2012 as an urgent walk-in due to “a black spot” in her vision.
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  • What Is Macular Degeneration?
    (541) 776-9026 / (877) 485-3329 221 Stewart Avenue, Suite 110 • Medford, OR 97501 (On Stewart Avenue near Riverside/South Pacific Highway) Fax: (541) 776-9096 • www.padeneyecare.com What is Macular Degeneration? Macular degeneration is a common age-related change in the retina which damages only the macula. The macula is a small part of the retina in the back of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly. When the macula doesn’t function correctly, we experience blurriness, distortion, or darkness in the center of our vision. Macular degeneration affects both distance and near vision, and can make some activities—like threading a needle, driving, or reading—difficult or impossible. Although macular degeneration reduces vision in the central part of the retina, it does not usually affect the eye’s side or peripheral vision. For example, you could see the outline of a clock but not be able to tell what time it is. Macular degeneration alone does not result in total blindness. People continue to have some useful side vision and are usually able to take care of themselves. The two most common types of age-related macular degeneration are “dry” (atrophic) and “wet” (exudative): “Dry” (atrophic) macular degeneration Most people with macular degeneration have the “dry” type. It is caused by gradual damage to the pigment layer which supports the rods and cones. Vision loss is usually slow. “Wet” (exudative) macular degeneration “Wet” macular degeneration accounts for about 10% of all cases. It results when abnormal blood vessels break through the damaged pigment layer leaking fluid and blood which damages the rods and cones.
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  • Retinitis Pigmentosa* a New Therapeutic Approach by Lalit P
    Br J Ophthalmol: first published as 10.1136/bjo.47.3.144 on 1 March 1963. Downloaded from Brit. J. Ophthal. (1963) 47, 144. RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA* A NEW THERAPEUTIC APPROACH BY LALIT P. AGARWAL, S. R. K. MALIK, MADAN MOHAN, AND P. R. KARWAL From the Department of Ophthalmology, All-India Institute ofMedical Sciences, New Delhi THE aetiology of various types of retinal and macular degeneration is un- satisfactory and controversial, and little treatment can be given. Many authors have attributed these changes to disturbance of the choriocapillaris and local angiosclerosis of the choroid, and the retinal lesions have been regarded as secondary to these changes (Verhoeff and Grossman, 1937; Brown, 1940). Certain areas, i.e. the macular, equatorial, and peripheral regions, seem to be more prone to degeneration. - An analysis of the vascular supply of these areas reveals that the macular region is supplied primarily from the choroid, and that the retinal vessels do not play an important role in its nourishment. Dartnail and Thomson (1949) showed histologically and subjectively that the macula does not have retinal blood vessels but that this is compensated for by the abundance of choriocapillaries. In the equatorial region there is an anastomosis between the posterior and anterior ciliary circulation and this is probably the least copyright. resistant part of the vascular system of the choroid. The peripheral region is poorly supplied by retinal blood vessels. The peripheral margin ofthe retinal vascular system is formed by wide-calibre capillary arches joining the termination of the arteries of the veins. The frequent occurrence of cystoid degeneration in this region is probably due to its relatively poor blood supply which leads to atrophic retinal changes.
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  • Eye Disease Facts for Physicians Assistants
    Eye Disease Facts for Physician Assistants What should Physician Assistants know about eye health? Physician assistants can help protect their patients from vision loss or blindness by recognizing risk factors associated with common eye diseases and recommending they see an eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Eye diseases often have no early warning signs or symptoms However, with early detection, treatment and appropriate follow-up care, vision loss and blindness from eye disease can be prevented or delayed. Talk to all your patients about their eye health, especially those at higher risk for diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. One in every 12 people with diabetes aged 40 and older has vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms: No signs or symptoms in its early stages. Risk Factors: All people with diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational) are at risk. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely he or she is to develop retinopathy. Controlling blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol can prevent or delay the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Detection: Patients with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. Patients with proliferative retinopathy can reduce their risk of blindness by 95 percent with timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans age 60 and older, which gradually destroys sharp, central vision.
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