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July 7, 1999	Contact: Martin Munguia (503) 494-8231 munguiam@ohsu.edu
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Participants Sought for New Laser Eye Treatment Study Procedure could prevent vision loss in individuals over 60 Portland, Ore. - A new laser treatment may provide hope for more than 1.7 million Americans at risk of losing their eyesight. Researchers at Oregon Health Sciences University's Casey Eye Institute are looking for people to participate in one of the first studies to prevent the severe effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of severe visual impairment in the country, developing in middle age and affecting eyesight in people 60 years of age and older. The number of Americans with AMD is expected to nearly quadruple in the next 30 years as the population ages. "There is much research investigating new treatments that minimize vision loss from advanced AMD, but we don't have a good way of preventing the disease from reaching that stage," said Michael Klein, M.D., director of the Casey Eye Institute's Macular Degeneration Center and professor of ophthamology at OHSU. "We're looking at people with early disease who have not experienced loss of vision." The five-year Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial (CAPT), sponsored by the National Eye Institute, seeks to test low intensity laser treatment on a total of 1,000 patients at 23 clinical centers nationwide. For all patients, one eye will receive laser treatment while the other will not be treated. The procedure is performed quickly and causes little or no discomfort. To be eligible for the study, patients must meet all of the following criteria: Large drusen, or yellow deposits, in the retinas of both eyes Age 50 or older 20/40 or better vision in both eyes No other eye disease affecting vision No previous laser treatment to the retina Available for five years of follow-up Those interested should consult their eye care provider or call the Casey Eye Institute at 494-3616. Further information about AMD and the CAPT study can be found at the Macular Degeneration Center website: www.ohsu.edu/cei/macdeg.

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