Macular Degeneration: News You Can Use

This Mental Health Awareness Month, join psychologist Ed McDaniel for an honest conversation about the emotional impact of being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and/or geographic atrophy (GA). Drawing from both his professional expertise and personal experience, Ed will share strategies for coping with anxiety, grief, and loss of independence—and how to start important conversations about mental health with your eye doctor. Learn about resources that can help you feel less alone.

Join us for a special discussion on clinical trials for macular degeneration. Experts from Genentech will provide an overview of the company’s work in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy, including the role of clinical trials and how they work. They will also share details about an upcoming clinical trial for geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry AMD, and what potential participants can expect.

Join us for a conversation about light therapy and macular degeneration, where we’ll explore how different types of light—blue, red, and sunlight—affect the retina, the science behind light therapy, and the newly approved Valeda red light therapy. Plus, we’ll answer listener questions about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lights, red light therapy for early-stage AMD, and more. Bring your questions to ask our guest expert!

With two FDA-approved treatments now available for geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration, we’ll explore how to navigate treatment options, engage in shared decision-making with your healthcare team, and maximize your eye health. February is Low Vision Awareness Month, so we’ll also discuss support options for those living with vision loss.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the latest developments in wet age-related macular degeneration treatment. We’re partnering with the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) to bring you an overview of current treatment options, the impact of the Avastin shortage, and alternative treatments. We will also explore advocacy efforts by ASRS and the American Academy of Ophthalmology to address these issues.

This Macular Chat episode will cover practical tips for maintaining quality of life with low vision. From adaptive activities to resources like large print books, there are resources to help you live well.

Geographic atrophy is an advanced and severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration that, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible vision loss. Hear from guest expert Dr. Veeral Sheth about the latest treatments, research breakthroughs, and how to protect your vision.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on Stargardt disease, a rare inherited form of juvenile macular degeneration that affects about 1 in 10,000 children and young adults. Learn about the latest in diagnosis, genetic testing, and promising treatments, which researchers are also evaluating in geographic atrophy.

Macular Degeneration Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, is supporting 49 active research grants around the world. Join us as our Scientific Affairs team highlights a few of these groundbreaking research projects working toward earlier detection and prevention, treatments, and a cure for macular degeneration.

What are the best foods to lower your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? If you already have AMD, can changing your diet slow the progression of the disease? This Macular Chat episode will explore how diet and nutrition influence the risk and progression of AMD and discuss the vital role that the gut microbiome plays in overall human health. Learn which foods to eat more of, which to avoid, and the latest research and clinical trials on AMD.

Geographic atrophy is an advanced and severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration that can lead to permanent vision loss. Guest expert Dr. Philip Niles shares what you need to know about identifying, preventing, and treating geographic atrophy and delving into the landscape of available treatments.

After a macular degeneration diagnosis, the best way to adapt to vision loss is to learn new ways of doing things. Ed Haines discusses the resources available from the organization Hadley, which provides practical, social, and emotional support to older adults adjusting to vision loss.

Does cataract surgery increase your risk of developing macular degeneration? Learn more during a conversation with guest expert Emily Y. Chew, MD, who will discuss this question and the relationship between cataracts and macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older. Guest speaker Gayatri S. Reilly, MD answers questions and shares all the facts you need to know about wet and dry macular degeneration.

After a diagnosis of macular degeneration many individuals experience a range of emotions, including grief, anxiety, or depression. Our expert guest will define and discuss different emotions, as well as provide specialists and additional coping strategies and resources to consider.

Guest speaker Kapil Bharti, PhD discusses a new treatment for macular degeneration that is currently being studied using stem cell therapy to restore lost vision.

Guest speaker W. Lloyd Clark, MD, discusses a new anti-VEGF treatment option that is available for wet AMD. Dr. Clark specializes in the treatment of vitreous and retinal diseases. He is also dedicated to the advancement of new treatments for retinal diseases through his involvement with clinical trials for the newest therapies for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusions.

Guest speaker Dr. Veeral Sheth, discusses geographic atrophy, an advanced and severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration, and the landscape of treatments that are currently available.

Katherine Freund, Founder and President of Independent Transportation Network of America, discusses how aging impacts our driving skills, explores alternatives to driving, as well as what you can do if there are no currently driving resources in your area.

The event featured guest speaker Preeti Subramanian, PhD, who oversees the Macular Degeneration Research and National Glaucoma Research programs at BrightFocus Foundation. Dr. Subramanian highlighted some of the exciting research currently funded by BrightFocus.