What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is considered an incurable eye disease and is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people over age 60. It impacts more than 16 million Americans. Age-related macular degeneration is when the aging process causes damage to the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision.

There are two main types of macular degeneration, dry and wet. Both types of macular degeneration have a strong genetic component. A routine eye exam can spot macular degeneration.

Dry AMD

Most people have the dry form of macular degeneration. It is characterized by deterioration of cells in the macula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision. It is usually diagnosed during an eye examination based on the presence of yellow deposits called drusen in the retina.

Wet AMD

Wet macular degeneration is when blood vessels in the retain leak fluid or blood into the macula. It is treated with interocular injections.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

If you have a family history of macular degeneration it is important to get regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist.

Worse or less clear vision.
Your vision might be blurry, and it may be hard to read fine print or drive.
Dark, blurry areas in the center of your vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

A company called Zaparackas and Knepper, Ltd., and RQC Prevention, LLC are funding the study.

You and/or your health-care payer/insurer will not be billed for the costs of the study. Validated parking may be available and a 24-month supply of study medications will be provided at no cost.

You can ask the study doctor or study staff to find out more about costs.

If you decide to be in this study and the study doctor says you can be in the study, your participation will last about 24 months (two years).

You will visit the study center to have the procedures and tests. Ask the study doctor or study staff about your study visit schedule.

If the study doctor or study staff learns any new information that might change your mind about continuing in the study, the study doctor or study staff will tell you about it.

If you experience a change in your health status while participating in the study, please contact the study team to inform them as soon as possible.

You will not receive any payment for your participation in this study.

Your participation in this study is voluntary. You can decide not to be in the study, and you can change your mind about being in the study at any time. If you want to stop being in the study, tell the study doctor or study staff.

The study doctor or study staff or sponsor can remove you from the study at any time, even if you want to stay in the study. This could happen if, for example:

  • The study doctor or study staff believes it is best for you to stop being in the study.
  • You do not follow directions about the study.
  • The sponsor stops the study for any reason.

If you stop being in the study early, the study doctor or study staff may ask you some questions about being in the study. The study doctor or study staff may ask you to participate in some procedures or tests to help you leave the study safely and/or to collect more information for the study.

If you leave the study, the study doctor and study staff will still be able to use your information that they have already collected.

Your identity will be protected as required by law and according to any policies the study center or sponsor may have. Be aware that your study records (which includes your information from your medical records, the videos and photos, your signed and dated consent form, and other information) will be shared as needed for the study. For example, the FDA, the sponsor, and Advarra Review may look at your study and medical records.

All video files and OCT image files will be de-identified (coded). The list that matches the code with your name will be stored separately from the files.

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