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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Macular Degeneration Foundation

The Macular Degeneration Foundation is on organization that seeks to provide information, resources and other forms of support to those who have and will develop Macular Degeneration.

Macular Degeneration is a disease that gradually destroys an individual's central area of vision. It occurs in two forms: wet and dry. It can start small and spread slowly or occur suddenly and quickly lead to complete vision loss. Age related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans 60 years and older.

The Macular Degeneration Foundation's webpage provides an abundance of information including links to the latest news in Macular Degeneration research; alphabetized list of online resources from domestic and foreign sources; a bibliography of recommended titles related to the disease; informative online video presentations and much more. An interesting and interactive feature of the website is the Ansler Grid Eye Test displayed below. Below the grid you will find the instructions for using the grid to assess the quality of your central vision.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Wear the glasses you normally wear when reading.

2. View the chart at arms distance and cover one eye. With the uncovered eye, stare at the white dot in the center of the grid.

3. To view the chart at the proper distance, slowly move in toward your monitor until one of the two red ovals FIRST disappears.

4. During the entire test, you should have one eye covered, stare at the center of the grid and only see one red oval.

5. If your eye is functioning properly, you should be able to see the center white dot and the four corners and sides of the grid. The lines should appear to be straight and continuous from top to bottom and side to side.

6. Now test your other eye.

Here is the link to the Macular Degeneration Foundation's webpage:www.eyesight.org