Program Description

The Degenerative Eye Diseases Program Initiative is intended to promote research into conditions that affect one of our most coveted senses, eyesight. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 60, and currently there is no effective cure. The current treatment option, laser photocoagulation, is only effective in 20-30% of patients. Similarly, diabetic retinopathy resulting from damage to the blood vessels of the retina is a common complication associated with diabetes. Uncontrolled, this progressive disease can lead to blindness. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited, genetic disorder related to several similar, but yet distinct, dystrophies of the cells that comprise the retina. Usually diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood, RP generally presents initially with decreasing night vision, ultimately leading to night blindness. As RP progresses, loss of peripheral vision can become apparent, leading to a description of tunnel-vision. There is currently no known cure and limited treatment options for RP.

Support for this program has been received from:

• Anonymous Private Donations
• IFSH General Fund

Projects

We are currently seeking additional support for implementation of this program.