Browse Publications
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ReportThe Silver Book: Vision Loss Volume II
More than 38 million Americans age 40 and older are blind, visually impaired, or have an age-related eye disease, and adult vision loss costs our economy more than $51 billion a year. With major advances in vision research bringing new prevention and treatments, it is critical that support for research and incentives for innovation remain a priority.
In order to highlight this important data and encourage conversations and policies that look to investments in innovation rather than short-term cost-cutting and health care rationing, the Alliance for Aging Research has teamed up with the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR) during their Decade of Vision, to release Volume II of The Silver Book®:Vision Loss. Volume II brings updated data on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma—which along with cataract, are the eye diseases that disproportionately impact older Americans. This new volume also highlights the exciting changes and discoveries in vision research and treatment from the past 5 years. -
Science in the SpotlightUnder Treatment of a Treatable Disease: T.A.K.E. on Glaucoma
An estimated 2.3 million Americans are living with glaucoma and because it is a disease of aging, that number is expected to climb during this decade—surpassing 3.3 million by 2020—a 50% increase. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that are associated with elevated eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. That vision loss can usually be prevented with early detection and proper treatment and disease management, yet glaucoma continues to be one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. -
BrochureTaking a Closer Look at Age-Related Macular Degeneration
This popular brochure has been updated to reflect the latest advances in detection, prevention, and treatment (released in November 2011). It guides readers through the latest information on age-related macular degeneration symptoms and risk factors, while offering ways to help reduce risk. The widely used Amsler Grid can still be found on the back cover. -
Document, Fact SheetDetecting Glaucoma: Assessing Your Eye Health with a Comprhensive Eye Exam
This tip sheet tells you what to expect during a comprehensive eye exam--the key to detecting glaucoma and preventing its serious consequences. -
DocumentOur T.A.K.E. on Glaucoma
A Declaration from the Glaucoma Working Group to Take Action to Know your Eyes
Today, more than 40 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2050, it is estimated that figure will rise to 88.5 million. Our nation is aging rapidly, and this demographic shift likely means longer hospital stays, more doctor visits, and greater healthcare expenditures for more and more Americans. If you're a Baby Boomer and looking ahead to your silver years, you already have plenty to think about: retirement, the economy, elderly parents, and young adult children. It's hard to find time to focus on your health--especially if you feel healthy! -
Feature ArticleTreatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Going Head to Head
Spring 2011 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Access to Breakthroughs Drug Development Drug Safety Health Medical Innovation Policy Quality of Care Research Vision LossExciting treatments make slowing and even restoring vision loss in wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) patients a reality. Two of the most frequently used treatments are currently in the spotlight as they go head-to-head in clinical trials comparing their effectiveness, and to some extent, exploring their costs. -
Get Mad ColumnRestoring a Commitment to Medical Research
Summer 2009
Related topics: Access to Breakthroughs Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Cardiovascular Disease Diabetes Federal Funding Policy Vision LossInvestigators supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are on the cusp of research breakthroughs that may enhance their ability to predict and intervene earlier in the processes of many age-related chronic diseases. -
Report2009 Task Force on Aging Research Funding
May 2009
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Arthritis Brain Health Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Diabetes Federal Funding Geriatric Training Health Incontinence Medical Innovation Men's Health Mental Health Osteoporosis Other Diseases of Aging Parkinson's Disease Persistent Pain Policy Research Stroke Vision Loss Women's HealthThe 2009 Task Force on Aging Research Funding--more than 65 non-partisan disease groups, patient advocates, and foundations--urges Congress and the President to restore a national commitment to medical research on behalf of America's aging population. This year's report of the Task Force calls for a at least a 7% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health in FY 2010. It also presents data on the burden of diseases and conditions that predominately affect older Americans, highlights the emerging research the NIH is doing to decrease these burdens, and serves as a resource for policymakers working to establish the funding levels necessary to advance healthy aging. -
DocumentThe Burden and Future Implications of
Adult Visual Disorders in the United States
In an Alliance for Aging Research, National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR) joint briefing, David Rein, PhD, presented on the current economic burden of vision loss and the potential future impact. His slides are available here. -
DocumentAge-Related Maculopathy:
What it is, what we know, what we need to learn
In an Alliance for Aging Research, National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR briefing, Dr. Michael Gorin presented on age-related maculopathy, an eye disease that affects millions of Americans. His presentation slides are available here. -
ReportThe Silver Book: Chronic Disease and Medical Innovation--Vision Loss
The Silver Book is a unique almanac of references that the Alliance has compiled to spotlight the impact of chronic disease on our aging population and health care system, and the significant impact medical breakthroughs will have on future health care use and expenditures. The Vision Loss Volume looks at vision loss generally, and highlights data on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma--which along with cataract are the eye diseases that disproportionately affect older Americans. -
Science in the SpotlightProgress in Fighting Eye Disease
The human eye is a complex marvel of biology. Specialized cells take in light, parse it into electrical signals, and transmit them to the part of the brain that reassembles the information into images, motion, color, and depth. -
Feature ArticleThe Eyes Have It
Every day, our eyes enable us to respond to the smiles on our children’s faces, perform our daily tasks at work, watch our paths for obstacles, and even drive wherever we need to go.
Unfortunately, for many of us aging can make these everyday moments more difficult. Diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts can gradually rob us of a precious way that we interact with the world. As seeing becomes more of a strain, we can become less productive and independent, less safe, and increasingly out-of-touch with the world around us.
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Get Mad ColumnThe High Cost of Eye Disease
As our population ages, the impact of eye disease on our economy will continue to grow, yet new research and treatments hold great promise to blunt the cost and improve patients’ lives. -
Report2007 Task Force Report on Aging Research Funding
April 2007 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Arthritis Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Diabetes Federal Funding Geriatric Training Health Incontinence Medical Innovation Men's Health Mental Health Osteoporosis Other Diseases of Aging Parkinson's Disease Persistent Pain Prevention Stroke Vision Loss Women's HealthThe 2007 Task Force on Aging Research Funding--more than 85 non-partisan disease groups, patient advocates, and foundations--urges Congress and the President to chart a better course for medical research on behalf of America's aging population. This year's report of the Task Force calls for a 6.7% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health in FY 2008. It also presents data on the burden of 27 diseases and conditions that predominately affect older Americans, highlights some of the exciting work the NIH is doing to decrease these burdens, and serves as a resource for policymakers working to establish the funding levels necessary to advance healthy aging. -
BrochureWhat's On Your Plate May Help Save Your Sight:
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Learn how your diet and lifestyle can help you preserve your vision and protect against eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This exciting brochure teaches you how certain foods and behaviors can provide a good defense against vision-zapping eye disorders. -
BrochureDon’t Get Blind-sided by Age-related Macular Degeneration
Learn about the causes of of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and ways you can protect your eyes. -
BrochureBeyond Diagnosis:
Next Steps for People with AMD - Resource Guide for Physicians and Staff
This resource guide is designed to inform health professionals about the various services available to help patients with AMD. The resources include information on rehabilitation, financial assistance, support groups, research, and employment options. -
BrochureHow to Better Help Your Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration:
Facts for Effective and Efficient Care
This physician's guide provides helpful hints for treating patients with age-related macular degeneration. Topics include early detection, diagnosis, treatment, patient education, and more. -
BrochureTest Your EyeQ
This health quiz scores your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by questioning your knowledge of prevention and causes and providing information on the correct answers. -
BrochureTaking a Closer Look at Age-Related Macular Degeneration
This popular brochure takes a "closer look" at age-related macular degeneration--outlining symptoms and risk factors and offering ways to help reduce your risk.