Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Family & Genetic Study Group
UM Kellogg Eye Center
Retina Clinic
1000 Wall Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-763-5906
(map)

What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in our senior population. This disease impairs central vision. People who are affected by AMD have problems reading, driving and performing activities that require clear central vision. Currently, there are no treatments for the majority of people who are affected.

Genetic Studies at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center
The information in our genes is a major risk factor for the development of AMD. The AMD Genetic Study Group at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center is working to understand how changes in our genes lead to the development of this common disease. This project is a collaboration between the ophthalmologists and scientists at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center. The results will be important in the developing therapies to help people who are affected by AMD.

How Can You Participate?
We are currently enrolling people in this study who either have been diagnosed with AMD or have members of their family who have been affected. Study participants can come from any part of the United States. You can enroll over the phone, and through the U.S. mail. Individuals who participate in this research are asked to provide the following: information about your family and medical history, access to your ophthalmology records, and a blood sample.

AMD Genetic Study Group

Ophthalmologists
Susan G. Elner, M.D.
John R. Heckenlively, M.D.
Mark W. Johnson, M.D.
Stephen Saxe, M.D.
Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D.
Andrew K. Vine, M.D.
David N. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D.

Scientists
Kari Branham, M.S.
Monika Buraczywska, M.D., Ph.D.
Mohammad Othman, Ph.D.
Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D.
Anand Swaroop, Ph.D.
Beverly M. Yashar, M.S., Ph.D.
Shigeo Yoshida, M.D., Ph.D.

For more information, contact
Kari Branham, M.S., genetic counselor/study coordinator
734-936-3573
umamdgene@umich.edu

For additional information about retinal and macular degeneration, please visit the Center for Retinal and Macular Degeneration.