Physicians at the UTMB University Eye Center are using the most advanced imaging technology available to diagnose and track age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in their patients. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people ages 55 and older. The technology was acquired with a gift from Jamaica Beach resident Sidney J. Wolfenson.

Dr. Erik van Kuijk, professor of Ophthalmology and Vice Chair of Clinical Services, said, "Our imaging technology is the best in the area. It allows us to see changes at the near-microscopic level in advance of when they would be detected with standard equipment."

"This allows us to see progression of the disease and to get out in front earlier with the most effective treatments. It also contributes to our research to measure the effectiveness of early treatments."

In addition to patient care, Van Kuijk is working on the diagnosis and treatment of AMD. He is a member of UTMB's Macular Degeneration Center of Excellence, a team of researchers that aims to understand the mechanisms of the disease and develop treatments that prevent vision loss. Van Kuijk's research has revealed a link between the distribution of macular pigment in the retina and the onset of AMD.

According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, this incurable eye disease affects more than 10 million people in the United States alone. The National Eye Institute estimates more than 92,000 Texans have the disease, the symptoms of which include blind spots in the central vision and fuzzy or dim primary sight. AMD is characterized by deterioration of the macula, the middle portion of the retina that focuses central vision and makes it possible for a person to read, recognize colors or faces and see objects in detail.

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