The Jules Stein Eye Institute at University of California, Los Angeles is seeking clinical research volunteers. Dr. Michael B. Gorin is conducting a nationwide study of genetic and other risk factors that contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration (also known as Age-Related Maculopathy). Individuals or members of their family may be eligible to participate in this observational study (this is not a treatment trial) which does not require that individuals travel to UCLA, but allows individuals to participate through a confidential and secure website. Individuals will be required to give 1 saliva sample or have their blood drawn (20 ml). Photographs of the retina will be covered by the study.
The study is looking for:
1. Individuals from 49 to 65 years old who have/had a least one parent with macular degeneration. Spouses or partners will be included.
2. The parent(s) who have Age-Related Macular degeneration or have a first-degree relative with the disease (siblings).
If an individual wishes to learn more about this study, they can go to the following website and read about the study with complete anonymity (and even send questions to the research coordinators).
https://jseiclinres.jsei.ucla.edu/garm/
Call Dr. Michael B. Gorin or a research coordinator at 1-800-286-8581 for more information.
I heard a radio program on Aug 14 as I was driving from Oregon to Texas to see my father who has Macular degeneration. He is 93 and says his type is the “wet” type. I am 68 and do not (yet) have it am interested in the program mentioned on that program for such as me and my dad.
Mr. Russell,
Thank you for your query. Please call me at 415 694 7363. I would be happy to connect you with resources in your area.
I am 74 years old and was diagnosed with dry macular degeneration approximately 13 years ago. It has reached the stage, in my left eye, where I have the spot in the center of my eye. I have also been diagnosed with AMD in my right eye; however, I have no outward symptoms.
I have attended lectures on stem cell research, and have heard that studies are underway regarding stem cells helping the vision of AMD sufferers. Is this treaatment realistically going to be available during my lifetime?
Are there studies that are being used on volunteers yet?
Thank you in advance for your response.
Ms Engeseth,
Thank you for writing. We suggest you contact the Jules Stein Eye Institute at (310) 825-5000, or review their website at http://www.jsei.org/.
hello, my mother is 84 and has macular degeneration. would like to know if there is anything that could help her.
Thank You
Your mother should continue to receive regular care from her retinal specialist. If her current ophthalmologist isn’t a retinal specialist ask that doctor for a referral to such a specialist.
There are two forms of macular degeneration – wet and dry. Wet macular degeneration can progress quickly, but there are several treatments that can slow or even halt the progression of the disease. Dry macular degeneration progresses slowly, but there is currently no treatment for it. However, research continues on both forms of the condition.
Going beyond medical treatment, there are numerous products and services that can help people living with vision loss to continue to live actively and independently. Except for driving, people who are blind or visually impaired can do the things they’ve always done, just in a different way. You can obtain a listing of agencies in your area that provide useful services for people who are visually impaired by visiting the web site of the American Foundation for the Blind at http://www.afb.org. On the home page locate the “find helpful services” search box, select the type of service you’re looking for, and click the “find” button. The web site will display a state by state list of agencies providing that particular service.
If your mother lives in the San Francisco Bay Area or in California’s North Coast region, the LightHouse can do a great deal to help her. We offer a variety of programs and services to people who are blind or visually impaired. We provide classes and individualized training in the skills that allow individuals to live independently with sight loss, such as traveling independently by using a white cane, cooking and home management skills, and more. Our Adaptations store carries numerous products to help people manage with sight loss, such as white canes, Braille and talking watches and clocks, products to assist individuals with reading and writing, magnifiers, games, and more. On Fridays, we host a low vision clinic where low vision specialists from the U.C. Berkeley School of Optometry examine patients to determine the ideal types of magnification for them to use to maximize their useable vision. We also have many recreational activities.
Interested individuals are invited to attend our monthly LightHouse orientation sessions, which take place in the San Francisco office on the first Tuesday of each month from 10:30 AM to noon. The next orientation session will be on Tuesday, February 7. To schedule an appointment, please contact contact us at info@lighthouse-sf.org or 1-415-694-7322.
Very good blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a
paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely confused
.. Any recommendations? Appreciate it!
Please send me any info you may have regarding support groups for ARMD in the Utah area either affliated or not with LightHouse.
Many thanks,
John A Carver, MD