The Emory Eye Center's Age-related Macular Degeneration/
Photodynamic Therapy Research

The Emory Eye Center, who are we?
The Emory Eye Center is located in Atlanta, Georgia on the Emory University School of Medicine campus and is currently in the top ten of the National Institutes of Health funded eye research institutions in the United States. The Eye Center's L.F. Montgomery Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory has been designated the pathology laboratory to study the eyes of patients who have received Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). The purpose of the study is to determine what effect the PDT treatments have on the abnormal blood vessels and scar tissue that degrade the macula. The only way to determine the effectiveness of PDT is by studying the eyes of postmortem donors.

Why Donate to Science?
Donated eyes can help scientists research ways to improve the treatment of AMD. Research is needed in order for scientists to better understand the disease and to evaluate the effectiveness of current treatments.

You Can Make a Difference
You could help scientists learn more about AMD and the effectiveness of PDT by making a gift of your eyes at the time of your death. With your help scientists may be able to improve treatments for future generations of people who suffer with AMD. Without human donors who have received the treatment it is very difficult to determine the efficacy of PDT or for scientists to identify how to make improvements to treatments such as PDT.

Who Can Participate?
If you have AMD and have received PDT treatment for your condition, you are eligible to become a donor. If you think you may be interested, but would like more information you can contact the Emory Eye Center at 1-800-266-0400. The PDT Program Coordinator is available at this number to answer your questions about becoming a donor.