IIT Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Cardiovascular Disease

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in our country, and heart attack and stroke are leading causes of death. We have discovered that AMD and these lethal systemic diseases may be linked by a special form of AMD called “reticular macular disease” (RMD) that is detectable by advanced retinal imaging. We will join together cardiologists, neurologists and retinal specialists for a simultaneous, in-depth study of RMD, heart attack and stroke that could significantly improve our understanding and future treatments for all.

Inclusion Criteria:

Cardiology Subjects:

- Have cardiovascular disease

- Acutely hospitalized adult with documented myocardial infarction

Neurology Subjects:

- Have cerebrovascular disease

- Acutely hospitalized adult with documented stroke

Ophthalmology Subjects:

- Have reticular macular disease

- Have age-related macular degeneration

Exclusion Criteria:

Normal Subjects:

- Not ambulatory

- Has had Myocardial Infarction 

- Has any known eye disease

Cardiology Subjects:

- No children and adults under the age of 40 and over the age of 75

Neurology Subjects:

- No children and adults under the age of 40 and over the age of 75

Ophthalmology Subjects:

- No children and adults under the age of 60

Conditions:
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)