Macular Degeneration: Exclusive Interview with Researcher Dr. Janet Sunness M.D. of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center
Exclusive interview with researcher Dr. Janet Sunness of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center concerning an advanced form of Macular Degeneration known as Geographic Atrophy.
Henderson, NV, August 13, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The Macular Degeneration Foundation (MDF) has posted a special report on geographic atrophy (GA) to its website at www.eyesight.org. GA is a common but poorly understood form of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). People with AMD progressively lose their central vision. In GA, a particular pattern of loss occurs.
This exclusive report is unique in its clarity thanks to scientist/physician Janet Sunness, M.D. of Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Sunness is a world leader when it comes to researching geographic atrophy and helping people obtain their best vision possible.
GA typically starts as dry age-related macular degeneration. For genetic and environmental reasons that scientists are beginning to understand, the dry form often progresses to GA or another form called wet AMD. At least four genes have been implicated in GA. So has cigarette smoking.
Dr. Sunness estimates that 3.5% of the U.S. population age 75 and older has GA. In people older than 90, the percentage is 22%.
No cure exists for GA although promising therapies are being tested in clinical trials. In one, a device implanted in the eye releases a protein to keep the retina healthy. The other uses a drug called fenretinide that appears to slow GA progression. The FDA recently gave this fenretinide fast-track status, which could get the drug to market faster than usual.
In this article, Dr. Sunness describes the “natural history” of GA, what makes it different from other forms of AMD, its relationship to reading speed, and much more. Dr. Sunness tells how people with GA can obtain their best possible vision, including learning to look around their centers of missing vision.
The Macular Degeneration Foundation is dedicated to those who have and will develop macular degeneration. We offer this growing community the latest information, news, hope and encouragement. In addition, the Foundation gives financial support to researchers investigating treatments and others helping those coping with the challenges of living with the loss of their central vision. (www.eyesight.org)
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This exclusive report is unique in its clarity thanks to scientist/physician Janet Sunness, M.D. of Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Sunness is a world leader when it comes to researching geographic atrophy and helping people obtain their best vision possible.
GA typically starts as dry age-related macular degeneration. For genetic and environmental reasons that scientists are beginning to understand, the dry form often progresses to GA or another form called wet AMD. At least four genes have been implicated in GA. So has cigarette smoking.
Dr. Sunness estimates that 3.5% of the U.S. population age 75 and older has GA. In people older than 90, the percentage is 22%.
No cure exists for GA although promising therapies are being tested in clinical trials. In one, a device implanted in the eye releases a protein to keep the retina healthy. The other uses a drug called fenretinide that appears to slow GA progression. The FDA recently gave this fenretinide fast-track status, which could get the drug to market faster than usual.
In this article, Dr. Sunness describes the “natural history” of GA, what makes it different from other forms of AMD, its relationship to reading speed, and much more. Dr. Sunness tells how people with GA can obtain their best possible vision, including learning to look around their centers of missing vision.
The Macular Degeneration Foundation is dedicated to those who have and will develop macular degeneration. We offer this growing community the latest information, news, hope and encouragement. In addition, the Foundation gives financial support to researchers investigating treatments and others helping those coping with the challenges of living with the loss of their central vision. (www.eyesight.org)
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Contact
Macular Degeneration Foundation
Liz Trauernicht
888-633-3937
www.eyesight.org
Liz Trauernicht
888-633-3937
www.eyesight.org
Contact
Multimedia
Dr. Janet Sunness M.D.
Dr. Sunness is Head of the Hoover Low Vision Services at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center
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