Millions of Americans at Risk for AMD
American Retina Foundation educates Arizonians on the importance of early detection and treatment of age-related macular degeneration to reduce the risk of vision loss.

PHOENIX, AZ (November 3, 2005) - According the National Eye Institute (NEI), over 9 million Americans are affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of legal blindness and loss of central vision among adults over age 65. There is no known cure for AMD; however, early detection of the disease may help those who have AMD protect their vision from further deterioration.

AMD is caused by the destruction of light-sensitive cells in the macula, the central portion of the retina in the back of the eye. Risk factors of AMD include family history, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and gender. Caucasians are more likely to face vision loss from AMD and women appear to be at greater risk than men. The risk for AMD increases as people age.

"Assessing your risk and getting an annual eye exam is the first step towards preventing AMD. And for those who have AMD, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a regular exercise routine will help save the vision of many who would have had serious impairment," says local retina specialist Clive Sell, M.D.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), conducted by the NEI, suggests that high doses of vitamins and minerals, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, may significantly reduce the risk of advanced AMD and associated vision loss. While fruits and vegetables are excellent sources, vitamin supplements are also another way to provide the body with these nutrients. Individuals should consult with their doctor as to which vitamin formulation is best for them.

To help increase awareness of AMD and the benefits of early detection and prevention, the American Retina Foundation (ARF) and local ophthalmologists are teaming up to provide Phoenix AMD patients with a free educational toolkit. Funded in part by a grant from Alcon Laboratories, newly diagnosed AMD patients will receive a kit that includes valuable information such as an Amsler grid to track the progression of their AMD and recipe cards with tips for preparing meals high in vitamins and minerals.

About AMD

There are two forms of AMD, dry and wet. Dry AMD is characterized by small yellow particles called drusen and pigment changes in the macula. Over time, deposits may grow together and harden, and may interfere with central vision. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These blood vessels tend to be fragile and often leak blood and fluid. Wet or neovascular AMD is considered to be advanced and more severe then the dry form.

While there is no cure for wet AMD, treatment options include laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, or injections in or around the eye. These therapies may help to destroy abnormal blood vessels or prevent them from leaking.

To help protect vision loss, ophthalmologists recommend having an annual eye exam, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking and participating in a regular exercise program. Vitamin therapy may also help protect vision.

About ARF

The American Retina Foundation (ARF) is a charitable nonprofit foundation formed by the American Society of Retina Specialists, which is the largest organization of vitreoretinal specialists in the world. The ARF is dedicated to the education of retina and vitreous disorders, continuing medical education of the vitreoretinal specialists in the United States and worldwide, and to the promotion of research for new or more effective treatments of retina and vitreous diseases.

For more information about the ARF or age-related macular degeneration, log on to www.savingvision.org.

About Alcon Pharmaceuticals

Alcon, Inc. is the world's leading eye care company, with sales of $3.9 billion in 2004. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for more than 50 years, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contact lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon's majority shareholder is Nestlé, S.A., the world's largest food company. All trademarks noted in this release are the property of Alcon, Inc., with the exception of Cipro® and Ciprodex®, which is the property of Bayer AG and licensed to Alcon. Vigamox® is licensed to Alcon by Bayer AG.

Alcon is a supporter of this AMD education effort and manufactures ICaps® Eye Vitamin and Mineral Supplements, a brand of ocular vitamins. The ARF endorses the multivitamin and AREDS formulation contained in ICaps® Eye Vitamin and Mineral Supplements to slow the progression of AMD.

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