Posted on April 16, 2004 at 10:55 a.m.

WHAT:

Eyes on Art: The Age-Related Macular Degeneration Project is an exhibit of works by artists now affected by age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States, particularly in older Americans.

WHY:

The project is designed to provide information about age-related macular degeneration to the public and to help make people aware of the symptoms and effects of ARMD. The UAB Department of Ophthalmology’s Clinical Research Unit (CRU) has embarked upon a special public awareness, education and research initiative to provide ARMD patients, their families, and eye health professionals with vital information surrounding this irreversible disease. A key proponent is an ARMD Web site at www.eyes.uab.edu/armdinfo.

WHO:

Local artists with ARMD will display works. Several of the artists have had to curtail their artistic endeavors due to their vision loss.

WHEN/WHERE:

Art will be on display during a reception from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 18, at the Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Eighth Avenue North, Birmingham. The artists and UAB ophthalmology researchers and clinicians will be present.

BACKGROUND:

ARMD is a disorder of the retina that usually occurs in persons over 50 years old. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the U.S. More than 13 million Americans have ARMD and there is no cure. Eyes on Art: The Age-Related Macular Degeneration Project was funded by a grant from the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, Inc.