World Retina Day
September 27, 2003
RETINA INTERNATIONAL
New Treatments for Vision Loss Inspire Worldwide Efforts
Zurich, Switzerland -- -- Saturday, September 27th marks World Retina Day, an international day of awareness that places a spotlight on the need to prevent and cure diseases of the retina that lead to vision loss and blindness. Age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome are among the many degenerative eye diseases that cause debilitating vision loss and for which there are currently no cures.
More than 30 nations, including Canada, will host events that highlight the efforts of researchers to change the plight of individuals affected by diseases of the retina.
Says Sharon Colle, National Executive Director of The Foundation Fighting Blindness - Canada, "Retinal degenerative diseases, although a major cause of vision loss, are not well recognized by the Canadian public. World Retina Day draws attention to the existence of these causes of vision loss and blindness, as well as the need for vision research and the hope it brings to millions of people. The FFB is committed to the belief that cures will be found."
The devastating effects of retinal degenerative disorders impact a surprisingly large number of the global population, with 1.5 million affected by retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited form of eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration leading the way as the major cause of vision loss in older people. It is estimated that as many as 925,000 Canadians have age-related macular degeneration.
Canadian investigators are at the forefront of research directed to understanding the causes and finding cures for diseases of the retina. The Foundation Fighting Blindness recently entered into a partnership with the Stem Cell Network, one of Canada's prestigious Networks of Centres of Excellence, to provide funding for retinal stem cell research. To learn about retinal stem cells, as well as the work of other innovative Canadian vision scientists funded by The Foundation Fighting Blindness, visit www.ffb.ca .
"Vision science deserves a high profile," say Ms. Colle. "After all, it has the potential to help so many of us. We live in a world that demands vision - we drive cars, we read books . . . the onset of vision loss can turn your world upside down."
Ms. Christina Fasser, President and spokesperson for Retina International says, "Blindness is one of the most feared of all human disabilities. It has already struck more than 40 million people worldwide. The physical, emotional, social and economic costs of this major health problem are staggering."
Ms Fasser, whose blindness is caused by retinitis pigmentosa adds, "It is more important than ever to take advantage of the momentum gained through recent advances in the area of biotechnology. It is exciting to know that a phase one clinical trial to test the safety of a "survival factor" treatment has gained approval in the United States. The long-term hope is to delay the rate of degeneration of the retina. This movement from basic science to clinical research underscores the forward strides made in the past few years."
Many scientists believe that retinal degenerations will be one of the first groups of diseases to be successfully treated through gene therapy. Experiments are also underway to assess the effectiveness of nutritional and vitamin-based supplements. Healthy photoreceptor cells transplanted directly into a damaged retina also may one day restore areas of the retina that have died, thereby restoring sight. And the potential of stem cells to help in the restoration of vision is being investigated with great hope of success.
Retina International is an association of more than 30 volunteer organizations around the world raising funds for and promoting medical research into the causes, possible treatment and ultimately finding the cures for retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome (deaf-blindness) and others that can lead to total blindness. Retina International acts as a catalyst for advancing visual science through research in member countries. To learn about Retina International and its Scientific Newsletter, visit www.retina-international.org.
The 14th World Congress of Retina International is taking place June 30 - July 3, 2004 in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. For information about this important event, which will include the latest in scientific updates, visit the WWW site: www.retinanederland.org.
The Foundation Fighting Blindness is a national volunteer-based organization committed to raising the funds necessary to support the best and most promising eye research in Canada's leading universities and teaching hospitals...
For more information on diseases of the retina, visit Retina International at www.retina-international.org.
Contact:
Christina Fasser, President
Retina International
cfasser@e-link.ch
41 (0)1 444 10 77,
Phone home +41 (0)1 910 76 44
Mobile +41 (0)79 639 88 05