The ABC of AMD

New patient information leaflet provides low-down on AMD

A new patient information leaflet published by the Eyecare Trust, in association with Rubicon exotic juice drinks, provides patients with the essential facts about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in an accessible and easy to read format.

The leaflet contains practical advice about AMD and preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition. Written in plain English, the leaflet covers: What is AMD?, What are the symptoms?, What causes AMD?, Minimising the risks, Diagnosis and Treating macular degeneration.

The 'treating macular degeneration' section includes advice about how a lutein-rich diet can help prevent the progression of the condition as well as up-to-date information about anti-VEGF treatments and the ongoing development of stem cell therapy.

Commenting on the new leaflet, Iain Anderson, Chairman of the Eyecare Trust said: “We know from talking to practitioners and the public that our patient information leaflets provide valuable advice and information on eye health issues, so we’re delighted to be launching this leaflet on what is currently the hottest eye health topic around!”

Iain continues: “The recent high profile media coverage has prompted a great deal of public interest in AMD so we felt there was a real need for the provision of a clear and easily accessible guide to the condition.”

Barbara Down, Head of Marketing at Rubicon Drinks says, "We’re really proud to be working with the Eyecare Trust to launch this leaflet and raise awareness of the importance nutrition plays in eye-health. Research has shown that lutein can protect eyesight and prevent AMD in later life. We believe prevention is better than cure and our Rubicon Papaya juice drink is an easy, convenient and tasty way to boost lutein the daily diet.”

As with all the Trust’s patient information leaflets, this guide to macular degeneration will be available free from optometrists and other healthcare providers. It is also available for the public to download direct from the Trust’s website (www.eyecare-trust.org.uk) and will be distributed at a number of public events over the summer season including the Taste festivals.

Notes to editors

Further high resolution images of the leaflet are available on request.

Other Eyecare Trust patient information leaflets include: The Eye Examination, Your Child’s Eyesight, Healthy Eyes – Healthy You, Vision through Generations and Your Eyes and VDUs.

To order copies of this leaflet for your practice please contact Melissa Reeds on 0845 129 5001 or email info@eyecare-trust.org.uk.

About the Eyecare Trust

The Eyecare Trust is a registered charity that exists to raise awareness of all aspects of eye health.

About Rubicon Papaya Exotic Juice Drink

Rubicon has introduced a range of exotic juice drinks with natural health benefits. It’s new papaya juice drink has a high lutein content making it an excellent way to increase your intake of eye friendly nutrients and minimise your risk of developing common eye conditions.

Rubicon Papaya exotic juice drink is available from supermarkets and independent grocers nationwide. For more information visit rubiconexotic.com