U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA Consumer magazine
March-April 2002
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The macula is located within the retina, the light-sensitive area of the back of the eye. Slightly larger than the area enclosed by an upper case "O" on this page, the macula is responsible for our most detailed vision and comes into play when we read, drive, watch television or try to recognize a face.
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in people older than 55. Affected people become unable to read and even have difficulty recognizing friends. Fortunately, their side vision (peripheral vision) usually remains good.
In addition, about 1 million Americans, especially older people and those of African descent, are at risk of losing their vision due to an eye disease called glaucoma, which occurs when the pressure of the fluid inside the eye becomes unusually high.
And the growing prevalence of diabetes in the United States carries with it the likelihood of an increase in the number of cases of diabetic retinopathy, the most frequent cause of new blindness among adults ages 20 to 74, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Doctors agree that detecting these and other eye problems early provide the best chance for preserving and protecting your sight. Our cover story, "Saving Your Sight--Early Detection is Critical," will tell you whether you're at high risk for the leading causes of irreversible blindness and give you an overview of the latest treatment options.
Many Americans are interested in dietary supplements. The decision to use such products can provide health benefits. However, dietary supplements may not always be necessary for good health and some carry unexpected risks. The FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition provides tips to help you make informed decisions on supplements.
Genital herpes has been called a "silent epidemic." About 1 in 5 Americans ages 12 and older are now infected. We take a comprehensive look at this disease that causes both physical and emotional discomfort for millions in our story titled "Genital Herpes: A Hidden Epidemic."
We also look at the recent strides made in the treatment and diagnosis of leukemia. Find out how breakthroughs in the laboratory are resulting in better treatments for those who have the disease in "Living with Leukemia."
The staff of FDA Consumer dedicates this issue to Jesse R. Nichols Jr. and Patricia Edwards. Their artistic genius and guidance will be missed.
Raymond Formanek Jr
Editor
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2002-FEB-27.