Hi there--

The Macular Degeneration Partnership this week launches
its new Web site (http://www.macd.net), a comprehensive
online resource dedicated to age-related macular
degeneration (AMD), a debilitating condition affecting nearly
20% of the population over age 60 and up to 40% of seniors
over age 75.

I hope you'll visit the site and read the valuable information it
contains.
Let me know if you have any questions or need additional
information.

Thanks,
Theresa



Macular Degeneration Partnership Launches New Web Site to
Help Millions with Eye Disease
http://www.macd.net

Millions of people are losing their vision to macular degeneration,
the leading cause of blindness over age 60. Now they can find
help, hope and information on the Web with the launch of the
Macular Degeneration Partnership's new Web site, located at:
<http://www.macd.net>. This site is the most comprehensive
online resource dedicated to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Age-related macular degeneration attacks the central vision,
blurring sight and making reading, driving and other detailed
tasks difficult or impossible. Millions of Americans show signs
of AMD, with 200,000 new cases diagnosed annually. AMD
affects nearly 20% of the population over age 60 and up to
40% of seniors over age 75. According to Carl Kupfer, M.D.,
Director of the National Eye Institute, the prevalence of AMD is
estimated  to reach epidemic proportions as the 'baby boom'
generation ages.

Because there is no cure and little treatment available for
AMD, the most immediate need is for accurate and up-to-date
information. The Macular Degeneration Help Center provides
comprehensive, timely information and links to the best Web
sites for health, aging, and low vision, along with information,
tools and resources for AMD patients, their families and older
adults.

Frequent site updates encourage viewers to visit the site
repeatedly to keep up on the latest research, clinical trials
and experimental treatments. A free monthly online newsletter
contains interviews with leading professionals, stories from
other AMD patients, and AMD Alert, a column highlighting
news as it breaks. Viewers find a rational debate on hot topics
related to living with AMD such as alternative therapies, diet
and nutritional supplements.

Importantly, the Web site complies with the guidelines of the
Web Access Initiative and National Center for Accessible Media,
so viewers with low vision and/or using assistive devices can
easily access the material.

For patients and family members without access to the Internet,
the Partnership also maintains a toll-free telephone line
(888/430-9898), that provides recorded information about a range
of topics related to AMD. Callers also can leave their name and
address to receive more detailed information and a free home
test for AMD.

The Macular Degeneration Partnership is a coalition of patients
and families, researchers, clinicians, industry partners and leaders
in the fields of vision and aging. Its mission is to create an
unprecedented collaboration among all these parties to disseminate
information about AMD, provide support to patients and marshal
resources for a cure.

For more information, visit: http://www.macd.net