For US Residents Only

About AMD
AMD Warning Signs
Treating AMD
Visudyne
Support for Low Vision
Caregiving
Common Questions
Helpful Resources

The following sites are suggested "go to" places for vision-, AMD-, and product-related information.*

Vision and General Health Web Sites
AMD Web Sites

Vision and General Health Web Sites

Alliance for Aging Research
www.agingresearch.org
Includes link to "AMD Health Corner," an educational initiative of the Alliance for Aging Research and the National Eye Institute.

American Academy of Ophthalmology
www.aao.org
Includes patient link to Medem, a general eye health library. Lists member ophthalmologists in the US and abroad.

You can search for a retina specialist by using the AAO retina specialist locator. Simply select "Retina/Vitreous Surgery" in the Subspecialty field. Next, enter the doctor's name or your city, state, Zip Code, or country.

Click here to use the AAO retina specialist locator
By clicking on this link, you will be directed to the AAO Web site.^†

American Optometric Association
www.aoa.org
Includes patient information about eye conditions and diseases, examination procedures, eyewear, and nutrition for healthy vision.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
www.cms.gov
Click here to download an informative memorandum on coverage for beneficiaries who are blind or visually impaired.

EyeCare America
www.eyecareamerica.org
Sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Toll-free number for ordering free educational materials. Free eye care services for individuals who qualify.

Foundation Fighting Blindness
www.blindness.org
Funds research for diseases of the retina. Includes low vision coping tools, clinical trial information, glossary, personal story videos, chat rooms, and printed materials.

Lighthouse International
www.lighthouse.org
Worldwide organization offering patient education, rehabilitation guidance, research updates, newsletters, and tips for living with low vision.

National Association for Visually Handicapped
www.navh.org
Helps the "hard of seeing" cope with the psychological effects of visual impairment. Provides low vision services, visual aids, and training to anyone who needs it.

Prevent Blindness America
www.preventblindness.org
Volunteer eye health and safety organization. Information on eye problems, vision testing, safety tips, and volunteer opportunities. Includes Web forum.

The Vision Council
www.visionsite.org
Professional organization for makers of eyewear and vision care products. Supports public awareness of vision care.

AMD Web Sites

AMD Alliance International
www.amdalliance.org
Global nonprofit organization offering AMD information, news releases, caregiver handbook, toll-free patient hotline in US and Canada, and links to other vision Web sites.

American Macular Degeneration Foundation
www.macular.org
Offers printable Amsler grid, news, and health and nutrition tips. Care and Services Directory lists low vision centers, state agencies, vision specialists, vision aids products, and reading services for the visually impaired.

The Macula Foundation, Inc.
www.macula.org
Supports research in macular diseases. Includes links to educational materials, including CD-ROM with large-print booklet.

Macular Degeneration Foundation
www.eyesight.org
Features frequently asked questions, glossary, news, research updates, electronic newsletter, and links to other low vision resources.

Macular Degeneration Research
www.ahaf.org/macular/

Macular Degeneration Partnership
www.amd.org
Includes regional listing of vision-related organizations, "Ask the Doctor" feature, monthly newsletter, low vision product information, AMD toolkit, and other coping tools.

MD Support
www.mdsupport.org
Offers a wealth of news, information about macular degeneration, support services, outreach services, and print and video materials.

Schepens Eye Research Institute
www.schepens.harvard.edu
Affiliate of Harvard Medical School; world's largest independent eye research institute. Offers fact sheets, patient liaison contacts, and quarterly patient newsletter.

John A. Moran Eye Center
uuhsc.utah.edu/MoranEyeCenter
Treatment and research facility at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Link to "Webvision" tutorial provides detailed information on eye anatomy and function.

*These resources are provided for informational purposes only and are not meant as a substitute for professional medical advice.
^†QLT Ophthalmics, Inc., is not responsible for nor affiliated with this organization or the content of its retina specialist locator.

Is Visudyne for me?

Visudyne is a treatment to help slow the loss of vision in persons with predominantly classic wet AMD.

Important Safety Information

Visudyne therapy is not for everyone. People who have an abnormal sensitivity to light (a condition called porphyria) and those with allergies to any of the ingredients should not receive Visudyne. (Your doctor has a list of ingredients in Visudyne.) Check with your doctor or healthcare professional to see if you might be allergic to any component of Visudyne therapy. Only your doctor can determine if Visudyne is right for you.

Between 1% and 5% of patients experienced a substantial decrease in vision in the first 7 days after treatment, though some patients achieved partial recovery. Patients who experience substantial vision loss should consult their ophthalmologist or retinal specialist immediately. The most commonly reported adverse events (10-30%) were injection site reactions, temporary back pain during injection, changes in vision, including blurring, decreased sharpness in vision, and gaps in vision.

Patients should avoid direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days following therapy with Visudyne.

Patients who have to go outdoors in daylight after treatment must protect all parts of their skin and eyes by wearing protective clothing and dark glasses. Ultraviolet (UV) sunscreens are not effective in protecting against photosensitivity reactions.