Macular degeneration cause of blindness in older people

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) remains the leading cause of blindness in older people, affecting as many as 13 million Americans. The UAB Department of Ophthalmology’s Clinical Research Unit has launched a special public education and research initiative to provide ARMD patients, their families and eye health professionals with vital information surrounding this irreversible disease.

“The project is designed to provide information about age-related macular degeneration to the public and to help make people aware of the symptoms and effects of ARMD,” says Cynthia Owsley, Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology. A key aspect of the project is the ARMD Web site: http://www.eyes.uab.edu/armdinfo.