[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 53 (Thursday, May 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE FOUNDATION FIGHTING BLINDNESS

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                           HON. ROBERT WEXLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2002

  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the 
Foundation Fighting Blindness for their incessant efforts toward 
finding a cure for macular degeneration and all retinal degenerative 
diseases. The Foundation provides funding for over 155 research studies 
at 55 prominent institutions, and since its inception in 1971, the 
Foundation has raised over $160 million.
  Macular degeneration causes progressive loss of central vision and is 
the leading cause of blindness in people older than 55 years. 
Approximately 6 million Americans, including one million Floridians, of 
every age and race suffer vision loss from retinal degenerative 
diseases. An additional 15 million Americans have pre-symptomatic signs 
of macular degeneration. By recognizing the symptoms and problems 
associated with macular degeneration, individuals can be tested early 
and receive treatment for this disabling disease.
  Macular degeneration, which is believed to be caused by a combination 
of genetic or environmental factors, can be devastating for those 
diagnosed late. The loss of vision cannot be reversed, leaving its 
victims handicapped. These individuals usually suffer from depression 
at the thought of losing their independence. Because of the toll this 
takes on the lives of so many seniors, I call on Congress to provide 
additional research funding to the National Eye Institute to help cure 
this disabling disease. Many local communities and some state 
governments have passed proclamations calling for May 1, 2002 to be 
designated ``Cure Macular Degeneration Day.'' Therefore, I find this 
day fitting to bring attention to this important issue and to urge 
prompt action to find a cure.

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