Aniridia Foundation International
Aniridia Foundation International is a 501(c)3 non-profit
charitable organization dedicated to assisting those with low
vision or blindness due to the genetic blinding
eye disease Aniridia. Our members consist of those with
aniridia, their families, physicians, researchers, and teachers. Aniridia
Foundation International headquarters are located at the Hamilton
Eye Institute at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, TN.
Aniridia Foundation International members have united together because we
must stop this genetic disease from passing from one
generation to the next, and make a difference in the lives
of those who presently live with it daily. There is currently no cure, but
we hope that with our diligence and passion that we will see one in our
lifetime.
A person is born with aniridia and possibly other eye or
medical conditions. Most children born with aniridia have visual acuities
around 20/200 and are considered legally blind. This is
because the gene responsible for aniridia (PAX 6) is responsible for the
development of the eye, kidneys, pancreas and forebrain. The inner
structures of the eye such as the retina, optic nerve and iris are not
fully developed. These children must face throughout their life and at any
age the possibility of losing more vision due to the associated eye
conditions of glaucoma, cataracts, corneal scarring and light sensitivity.
Possible medical conditions include glucose intolerance, diabetes,
obesity, and in some rarer cases WAGR syndrome.
One third of those with aniridia will have WAGR Syndrome which means they
will have one or more of these aspects in addition to having aniridia: Wilms
tumor (cancerous tumor of the kidney usually before age 8), Genitourinary
Abnormalities, Gonadblastoma and various levels of retardation or learning
disabilities.
It is our hope that one day through a collaboration of the public,
corporate, medical and research communities and our efforts, Aniridia and
its associated conditions will be a thing of the past. Take our
Hands, Walk with Us, Share our Dreams, and Help Us Make a Miracle!
AFI Caveat: We are providing information to help those
affected with Aniridia, their families, the medical community and other
interested individuals as an educational tool. This is not to be used in
place of seeing a doctor or specialist. In our Members Only Area, though
discussions on specific problems are permissible and expected, remember no
posting there shall constitute professional health care or medical advice.
AFI is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. AFI does not diagnose
or treat, or provide professional counseling. However, we do have a Medical
Advisory and Scientific Board consisting of an international faculty of
ophthalmologists, physicians, researchers and vision professionals to keep
our information correct and timely. Aniridia Foundation International is
involved in self-help, while trying to promote research and education, among
other goals contained in its
mission statement.
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Aniridia Foundation International
930 Madison Ave.
Suite 314
Memphis, TN 38163
Phone: 901-448-2380
Fax: 901-448-2382
E-Mail: info@aniridia.net