The Retina Group of New York will present an educational meeting regarding age-related macular degeneration especially designed for seniors. The lecture will be held at the Farmingdale Public Library at 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15. Attendance is free and refreshments will be provided. The phone number for pre-registration is (516) 939-6100.

Hicksville and Hauppauge, NY (EMWNews) July 25, 2008 — Learn all about macular degeneration, including how to monitor your vision, preventative measures, and current treatments at a free seminar at the Farmingdale Public Library on August 15 at 1:00 p.m. The presentation will feature James M. Maisel M.D. and Joanna J. Oda, M.D., vitreoretinal specialists from the Retina Group of New York. As people live longer, they are subject to increasing incidence of age-related macular degeneration. Seniors may be unaware that they are at risk for vision loss and that treatments may be available for them. The doctors will discuss the symptoms, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related macular degeneration and answer questions. Preference will be given to UFSD #22 residents. Farmingdale Library patrons may pre-register without charge for this program over the phone at (516) 249-9090 using their library card.

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Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe visual loss in patients over 65 and occurs almost exclusively in seniors. The macula is the center portion of the retina and is used for straight-ahead vision. It is the only part of the retina capable of providing the fine vision necessary for reading and detailed work. There is a dry and wet form of the disease. The more common dry form causes pigmentation of the macula, similar to aging spots on the skin, is slowly progressive and accounts for only about 15% of severe central visual loss. It can be slowed with certain vitamins and diet. The wet, or exudative form of macular degeneration is less common but accounts for about 85% of visual loss and is the leading cause of blindness in seniors. This form results when abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina start to leak. Early treatment is critical since without treatment these leaking blood vessels almost always cause scarring with irreversible visual loss. Since July, 2006, Lucentis, an FDA approved medication, has dramatically improved treatment for the wet form, and has stabilized vision in over 90% of patients and improved vision in about one third.

About the Retina Group of New York

The Retina Group of New York has provided tertiary vitreoretinal care to patients in Nassau and Suffolk Counties since 1986 at its offices in Hicksville and Hauppauge. Both locations are fully equipped with in-office laser capabilities, cutting-edge diagnostic imaging, and integrated electronic records. The practice is limited to medical and surgical retinal problems. These include diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, retinal detachments, macular pucker, surgical complications, uveitis, and second opinions. The group holds staff privileges at seven area hospitals and teaching appointments at the New York University School of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, and Nassau University Medical Center. For information on the Retina Group of New York visit the Retina Group of New York web site (http://www.rgony.com) or call (516) 939-6100 or (631) 273-1818.

Retina Group of New York, Hicksville

400 S. Oyster Bay Road

Hicksville, NY 11801

Tel: (516) 939-6100 /Fax: (516) 939-2510

Retina Group of New York, Hauppauge

1455 Veterans Memorial Highway

Hauppauge, NY 11788

Tel: (631) 273-1818/Fax: (631) 273-1988