What is The Age-related Macular Degeneration Project at UAB?
The Age-related Macular Degeneration Project at UAB is research and public education with the goal of developing effective treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  We believe that public education goes hand-in-hand with medical research because research priorities in the U.S. are stimulated by the public’s expression of its needs.
 
Where are you located?
Our main office is in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology on the 6th floor in Suite 609 of the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital.  The Department of Ophthalmology is one of 17 clinical academic departments of the UAB School of Medicine.  The Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital is part of the UAB Health System and is in the center of the UAB medical center campus in Birmingham, Alabama.  The hospital is at 700 18th Street South covering the entire block between University Blvd. and 7th Avenue South. We have an attached parking deck for our visitors.  Enter the parking deck from University Blvd.  For an area street map of our location, please click here.
 
I have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and am interested in participating in clinical trials and other clinical studies. How do I find out if you have studies open for patient enrollment?
We appreciate all inquiries about participation in our research projects!  Click here for a list of studies on AMD with ongoing enrollment in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology. Or phone us at (205) 325-8662 or toll free at (866) UAB-EYES or (866) 822-3937.
 
I have an eye problem and want to see an ophthalmologist. Do you provide these services?
The AMD Project itself does not provide clinical services to patients. However, we are affiliated with the UAB Department of Ophthalmology’s clinic, which is directly next door to us in Suite 601. We work closely with the physicians who practice there.  For an appointment or for general information, please phone (205) 325-8620 or visit their web site by clicking here.
 
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician?
 
An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine specializing in the anatomy, function and diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.   Ophthalmologists attend four years of medical school and one year of internship, and then spend a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency, ophthalmologists receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions anddiseases.   Often, an ophthalmologist spends an additional one to two years training in a subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care (for example, retinal diseases, glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.)   Most ophthalmologists are board certified. A board certified ophthalmologist has passed a rigorous two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology designed to assess his/her knowledge, experience and skills. For more detailed information on the profession of Ophthalmology, click here.
 
An Optometrist is an independent primary health care provider who examines, diagnoses, treats, and manages diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures. Among the services optometrists provide are prescribing glasses and contact lenses, rehabilitating the visually impaired, and diagnosing and treating ocular diseases.  Professional Optometric Degree programs are courses of study leading to a doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Doctors of Optometry must successfully complete a four-year accredited degree program at one of the schools or colleges of optometry. Most students accepted by a school or college of optometry have completed an undergraduate degree.  In order to practice optometry, you must be state licensed. All states require graduation from an accredited professional optometric degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. In most states the written examination has been replaced with the examinations that are given during the student's academic career by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.  For more detailed information on the profession of Optometry, click here.
 
An Optician is a professional who fits and dispenses eyewear directly to the consumer. They analyze and interpret prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists to determine which eyeglasses are best suited to the patient's lifestyle and visual needs.   The optician takes eye measurements to insure proper lens placement in the eyeglasses' frame and verifies the accuracy of the finished product.  He/she also may manufacture (grind) lenses from raw materials and cut them to fit into the frame.  Opticians may hold an associate opticianry degree or may have apprenticed for a required number of hours. In most states that require an optician to be licensed, candidates must pass an examination given by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). Some states also require that candidates pass a state board exam. For more information on the optician profession, click here.
 
Is AMD curable?
No. Currently there is no cure for AMD.  This is why research programs on AMD are so important.  Although not curable, there are a few treatments available that slow the progression of the disease for persons with specific types of the disease.  Click here for more information regarding current treatment options.
 
How many people have AMD?
Over 1.6 million Americans over age 60 have advanced AMD, and considering all cases of AMD, from early to late phases, 13 million Americans have the condition.  AMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the U.S. and also the leading cause of legal blindness among older Americans.
 
If I have AMD in one eye, will I have it in the other?
In the early phases of AMD, sometimes the signs and symptoms may appear in only one eye. However, AMD is a “bilateral” disease meaning that you have it in both eyes.  In other words, the signs of the disease eventually appear in both eyes.
 
Will I go completely blind as a result of having AMD?
No. Although AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness in older adults, AMD affects your central vision only. Someone with AMD will still retain “peripheral” or side vision.
 
What is Legal Blindness?
People often refer to visual impairment that meets the legislative and Social Security Administration definition of blindness as “statutory” blindness, or “legal blindness.”  A person is considered to be “legally” blind under the following conditions:  having central visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, or having a visual field that extends to less than 10 degrees from the fixation point, or its greatest diameter is less than 20 degrees, or both. A person can be legally blind and still have some sight.  For example, a person who is legally blind from AMD, will have normal peripheral vision (unless they have another eye condition that affects peripheral vision).  For detailed information on vision impairment and qualifications for disability benefits, click here for the Social Security Administration’s web site.  For further information about federal income tax exemptions for those who are legally blind, click here for the Internal Revenue Service’s web site.
 
I have had dry AMD for years. Does this mean that I am going to get wet AMD too?
The course and timing of the disease is different for every person. Someone could have dry AMD for years, and it will never turn into the wet form.  However, once you have the dry form, you are at increased risk for developing the wet form of AMD, as compared to someone who does not have the dry form of AMD.
 
I have a cataract. Is removing the cataract going to make my AMD worse?
Whether to have a cataract surgically removed is a decision you should make in direct consultation with your ophthalmologist.  Your ophthalmologist will discuss the risks and benefits of cataract surgery and your expectations for improved vision.
 
How often should I have my eyes checked?
How often you should have your eyes checked depends on your age and the health of your eyes. Your ophthalmologist should recommend a schedule for you to keep during your initial visit with him/her, whether you are in good eye health or whether you have been diagnosed with an eye condition. Most ophthalmologists recommend yearly comprehensive eye exams once you have reached the age of 50 or 60.  Until that time, approximately every 2 years may be adequate unless you experience unusual symptoms or changes in your vision or you have already been diagnosed with an eye problem that requires more frequent monitoring.
 
How do I know if I have AMD? How is AMD detected?
The initial symptoms of AMD can take a variety of forms.  You may notice a loss of visual acuity (the ability to see small details) that cannot be corrected by the glasses your doctor prescribes.  You may notice night vision problems or problems seeing under dim lighting.  You may notice that straight lines appear distorted or wavy especially in the center of your vision, that a dark or blurry area always seems to be in your central vision, or that your perception of color changes. You may notice these changes in your vision have occurred abruptly or you may gradually notice them over time. Click here to read more about the visual signs and symptoms of AMD.
 
However, it’s important to keep in mind that you can have none of these symptoms and have AMD, and even if you have these symptoms, you may not have AMD.
 
If you notice any of these symptoms or other changes in your vision, you should report them to your ophthalmologist.  By doing a comprehensive eye examination, and sometimes more specialized tests, your ophthalmologist will be able to diagnose whether you have AMD.  Because the above signs and symptoms of the disease do not always occur, it is important for persons age 50 and over to have a comprehensive eye examination every year, as discussed in the previous question.  That way your ophthalmologist can monitor you for the onset of AMD and other eye problems that are common among older adults.
 
So the real answer to the question above is that the only valid way to know whether you have AMD is to consult with your ophthalmologist at least once a year when you are over age 50-60.  
 
 
Will it be helpful to donate my eyes after my death in hopes of playing a role in research toward finding a cure?
Yes. Donated eyes are in short supply, especially eyes donated for research on AMD.  AMD eyes, eyes with other diseases, and healthy eyes are all extremely important for eye research.  Click here to read more about Eye Donation here at UAB for AMD research.