Latest News from MD Support

MD Support's Summary of Research and Developments 2013 Now Online

MD Support's eighth annual summary of reports about significant research and development in the field of macular degeneration and related diseases is now available online. These reports, summarized by MD Support Director Dan Roberts, were presented in journals, the media, and professional meetings between June 2012 and May 2013.

Roberts briefly describes the conclusions of 77 studies that have been accomplished in the areas of therapy, prevention, technology, nutrition and daily living. Reports on the new retinal prosthesis and prevalence of AMD are also included.

For those who wish more detail, references to the original sources are provided as part of the audio/visual presentation, available at www.mdsupport.org/nsg/summary2013/index.html. The complete text, including sources, may be obtained online at www.mdsupport.org/library/summary2013.pdf.

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MD Support Joins Prevent Blindness America in Declaring June 3-9 as “AMD: Awareness Makes a Difference Week”

Today, more than 2 million Americans have age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is an eye disease that causes central vision to deteriorate over time, making simple pleasures such as driving and reading increasingly difficult. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for AMD.

The good news is that with early detection and treatment, vision can be preserved. MD Support plays an active ongoing role in the effort to educate adults on the disease and the steps that can be taken today to protect vision in the future.

AMD is the leading cause of visual impairment in Americans ages 50 and older. By providing those in our community with the information they need about risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options, our goal is to help keep the eyes healthy well into the future. Complete information about AMD from MD Support.

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VISIONS 2013 Conference To Be Held in Baltimore

Hundreds of people with vision impairment due to retinal degenerative diseases will converge at the Foundation Fighting Blindness' national conference, VISIONS 2013, on June 27-30 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. MD Support Director Dan Roberts will be presenting a session called "The T.A.S.K. of Living With Vision Loss" on the 29th.

Attendees will hear about the latest advancements in retinal research, improve their skills for coping with low vision, and meet others from across the country living with similar diseases.

Keynoting on the 28th will be author Michael Hingson, who survived the September 11 attacks with the help of his guide dog, Roselle. Also featured at the conference is Craig MacFarlane, who went blind at age 2 as the result of an accident, but who did not let vision loss stop him from winning championships in downhill snow skiing and water skiing, and more than 100 gold medals in competition.

Scientists from the world’s leading research institutions will present at science sessions on current and upcoming clinical trials, gene therapy, stem cell-based therapies, genetics, doctor Q&A, and a session dedicated to Second Sight’s newly FDA-approved Argus II retinal prosthesis.

Low vision coping sessions will offer attendees valuable insight, including presentations on guide dog and cane mobility, low vision tools and technology, recreation and sports for the blind and visually impaired, success in the workplace, and education options for a child with low vision.

Vendors will also be on site to exhibit their products, services and resources for the visually impaired community. Find a full conference schedule and list of speakers.

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"The First Year: Age-Related Macular Degeneration"
An essential guide for the newly-diagnosed and anyone else affected by diseases leading to central vision loss.

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