FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Smoking Doubles the Risk of Vision Loss from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

November 15, 2006, New York, NY: "Butting out" can help save eyesight according to recent studies that indicate smokers double their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to non-smokers. The increased risk includes passive smokers, who almost double their risk - the first established link between AMD-related vision loss and passive smoking - as reported in a UK study published in the January 2006 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology. According to AMD Alliance International, AMD affects about 6 million Americans and can cause legal blindness.

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AMD is part of a growing vision loss epidemic in the United States. Here are some facts:

• Macular degeneration affects 6 million Americans; another 13-15 million have pre-symptomatic signs. (AMD Alliance International, 2003)
• As the US population ages, more older people will become legally blind from macular degeneration than from glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy combined. (National Advisory Eye Council, 1998)
• AMD is the leading cause of vision impairment among Americans 65+. (Prevent Blindness America, 2005)

Yet, according to Dr. Bruce Rosenthal, Chief of Low Vision Services at Lighthouse International, there are steps you can take to promote eye health. "If you have AMD, you should definitely stop smoking. In addition, you should eat fish at least twice a week, eat plenty of dark leafy green vegetables, exercise and wear proper UV protection in the sun."

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For further information please contact:
Laurie Silbersweig, Lighthouse International
(212) 821-9564

Or

Wanda S. Hamilton,
Executive Director, AMD Alliance International
Tel: 416 486-2500 ext 7505
Mobile: 416 567-4648

AMD Alliance International

AMD Alliance International is the only international organization in the world dedicated exclusively to promoting awareness, treatment and research into macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in the developed world. With 55 members in 21 countries, the Alliance is a membership organization comprised of the worldÕs leading vision and research organizations. For more information about AMDAI American members please visit www.amdalliance.org

Lighthouse International

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization that helps people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse helps people with low vision and blindness enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss, its causes and what you can do about it, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.visionconnection.org. For more information about the Lighthouse, visit www.lighthouse.org.

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Notes to Editors About AMD

AMD is a degenerative retinal eye disease that causes progressive loss of central vision. AMD affects the macula - the central part of the retina responsible for clear, central vision needed for daily activities such as reading or driving. As light-sensing cells in the macula called photoreceptors begin to deteriorate, so does a person's central vision. It usually starts in one eye and is highly likely to affect the other eye at a later stage.

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common form of the condition and develops slowly, eventually leading to a loss of central vision. Currently, there are no effective treatments for dry AMD. Wet AMD is caused by leaking blood vessels inside the eye. It is less common than dry AMD (10-15% of the total population with AMD), but it can cause more rapid loss of vision. If detected in time, treatments for some forms of wet AMD are effective in reducing or delaying sight loss, or in some cases improving vision.

The extent of vision loss varies widely and is related to the type of AMD a person has, its severity and other individual patient characteristics. While people with AMD usually retain some residual peripheral vision, vision loss can be so severe that it is classified as "legal blindness" in most countries.

In addition to smoking, established risk factors for AMD include age and genetics/family history. A number of research studies are exploring the relationship between AMD and a gene known as Complement factor H (CHF), as well as the relationship between AMD and C-reactive protein. Age and family history/genetics are, however, un-modifiable risk factors. The only established modifiable risk factor is smoking.