FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Age-related macular degeneration raises risk of severe depression

TORONTO, September 20, 2006 - A White Paper * issued today by the AMD Alliance International (AMDAI) shows that the impact of vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on patients' quality of life and psychological well-being is comparable to that of cancer or coronary heart disease. The White Paper also shows that diagnosis of AMD and threat of blindness increases depression.

The report, issued to mark AMD Awareness Week, September 19 to 23, 2006, is the start of a global outreach campaign to raise awareness of the little-known psychological effects of AMD-the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians 50 and older-including the fact that people with the disease are nearly three times more at risk of depression than the general population.

As a result of the White Paper, a consortium of Canada's leading vision organizations, including CNIB, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, The Canadian Association of Optometrists,The Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) and the National Coalition for Vision Health,call on governments for a broad public education campaign emphasizing AMD awareness, risk factors, early detection and vision rehabilitation. The organizations also call for improved access to vital support services, and a nationwide disability supports program.

"The dire consequences of AMD, such as depression, injury and isolation, can be prevented with the right supports at the right time. Our governments must understand that AMD needs to be a priority on the health agenda," saidCathy Moore, National Director of Consumer and Government Relations, CNIB. "Access to vision rehabilitation andsupport tools to limit the damage caused by AMD and improve independence is critical." .../2

The AMD week campaign aims to demonstrate that basic supports to improve the quality of life for individuals with AMD, such as timely treatment and referral to appropriate low vision programs, including counseling, are essential. Further findings included in the White Paper show that low-vision care services help to reduce the negative impact of AMD, help people adjust to living with the disease and help to improve overall outcomes.

The White Paper also notes how AMD adversely affects day-to-day life. People with AMD are eight times more likely to have difficulties shopping, 12 times more likely to have problems using a telephone and nine times more likely to have trouble doing simple house work. The condition also puts individuals at higher risk of accidents such as hip fractures, and many with the disease are unable to drive. All of these factors together lead to depression and a sense of isolation that many people with AMD needlessly experience.

"AMD is no longer just about vision loss. It's also about mental health and quality of life, which is why AMD awareness, and timely access to treatment and support services are essential," said Wanda Hamilton of the AMD Alliance International. "Health policy makers must acknowledge that quality of life is an important patient outcome. There are simple steps that can be taken to drastically improve the impact of AMD."

Pat Corey, who was diagnosed with AMD, admits "I was in shock when I was diagnosed with AMD - it hit me hard. I made an appointment with a specialist, and then the first thing I did was call CNIB. I needed a lifeline, and CNIB was mine. I knew they had resources, information and support services, and that they would help me understand my condition. The help I received really made a difference in my adjustment to living with AMD."

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrew Leopold, Weber Shandwick
(416) 642-7949, aleopold@webershanwick.com

Notes to the Editor:

About AMD

AMD is a degenerative disease that affects the central part of the retina - the area responsible for central vision, which allows us to read, drive and recognize faces. As central vision breaks down, only peripheral vision remains. There are two types of AMD: wet and dry. Dry AMD is the most common form of the disease, accounting for about 80 per cent of all cases. Dry AMD occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. Approximately 10 to 20 per cent of cases will progress to wet AMD. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels are formed under and leak into the macula. Blood vessel growth in wet AMD progresses much more rapidly than the dry form and accounts for the majority of cases in which severe vision loss occur.

AMD causes more than 14 million cases of visual impairment worldwide each year. In Canada, it affects 78,000 people annually. AMD is even more prevalent among people who smoke. Evidence shows that smokingdoubles the risk of developing AMD, while some studies suggest the risk could be as high as three- to four-fold. The World Health Organization recognizes smoking as the only modifiable risk factor for AMD.

About the AMD Alliance International

The AMD Alliance International is a global non-profit coalition of vision and seniors' organisations working to raise awareness of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older populations. The AMD Alliance International promote regular eye examinations and provide education about prevention, treatments, rehabilitation, and support services available for AMD. Comprising of 48 organisations in over 20 countries, the AMD Alliance International is the only international organisation to date that concentrates exclusively on AMD.

The mission of the Alliance is "to bring knowledge, help and hope to individuals and families around the world affected by AMD through:

• Generating awareness and understanding of AMD;
• Promoting the importance of education, early detection, knowledge of treatment and rehabilitation options; and
• Preserving vision and improving the quality of life of individuals affected by AMD.

About CNIB:

CNIB is a nationwide, community-based, registered charity committed to public education, research and the vision health of all Canadians. CNIB provides the services and support necessary to enjoy a good quality of life while living with vision loss.

Founded in 1918, CNIB reaches out to communities across the country, offering access to rehabilitation training, innovative consumer products and peer support programs, as well as alternative format newspapers and magazines, and braille and talking books from its library.

A wealth of AMD information, including risk factors, diagnosis, treatments and resources, is available at www.cnib.ca/amd.

About The Canadian Association of Optometrists:

The Canadian Association of Optometrists is a national member organization of 2,800 optometrists. Its mission is:

• to represent the profession of Optometry;
• to advance the quality, availability and accessibility of eye, vision, and related health care;
• to enhance and promote the independent and ethical decision-making of its members; and
• to assist Doctors of Optometry in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care. (www.opto.ca)

About The Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB)

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is the leading charity for vision research in Canada. It is responsible for groundbreaking eye research being conducted in teaching hospitals and universities across the country. Its mandate is to support Canadian research directed at discovering causes, treatments and ultimately cures for eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration and related retinal diseases.

The Foundation also advocates for public awareness about retinal diseases, specifically prevention, early detection and treatments. The Foundation was established in 1974 and since then has funded millions in vision research in Canada. Visit www.ffb.ca.

[*] QoL in AMD: A review of the literature. Mitchell J, Bradley C. September 14, 2006