Macular Degeneration Free Seminar: Oct. 14

MADISON -- People with macular degeneration will benefit from a free seminar, Macular Degeneration: Progress in Sight VII, from 8am to 4pm, Tuesday, October 14 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that, when severe, can infringe on sharp, central vision. People with AMD may develop difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as reading and driving. Approximately 15 million Americans have AMD and it is the leading cause of severe visual impairment in Americans over 60. By age 75, about one in three Americans has some form of AMD.

This educational event, open to family and friends of AMD patients as well, is sponsored by the ophthalmology and visual sciences department of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Experts from the university will provide an overview of the disease, risk factors and how to eat well for better vision. In addition, attendees will learn how to cope with the vision loss of macular degeneration as well as how to thrive with low vision.

Vendors from a variety of companies, as well as UW Health, will provide information about eye disease. Exhibits will include the latest available examples of video magnifiers, computer aids and other low-vision resources.

Free glaucoma screening also will be provided during the seminar.

Presenters this year include Julie Mares, PhD, a UW epidemiologist who specializes in research in nutrition that affects vision, and Michael Altaweel, MD, who will discuss risk factors for macular degeneration. Adam Rindfleisch, MD, will provide information on integrative medicine and AMD. Emily Chew, MD, of the National Eye Institute, will update attendees on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2. This multi-center clinical trial is looking at whether nutritional supplements can slow the progress of AMD. The UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is among the nearly 100 locations of the study.

Box lunches are available for $9. The concession stand will be open as well.

For more information or to register for the seminar, call the Progress in Sight registration line at 1-800-783-5213. In the Madison area, call 255-1166. Registration deadline is October 8. Seating is limited to 1,000 people.

 

Date published: 9/15/2008