History
In
the early part of the 20th Century, European immigrants with
infectious eye diseases were held at Ellis Island, and eye problems
from vitamin A deficiency were not yet known in the Western World.
With the average life expectancy at 49 years, most diseases of the
retina were not a problem.
During the 20th century, medical advances brought about a change in
the causes of vision loss. Infectious diseases causing blindness
virtually disappeared in the U.S., and people began to live long
enough to be concerned about retinal diseases. As the century
progressed, treatment for cataract and glaucoma became common, but
where retinal disease was concerned, we were far from being "home
free."
The number of older Americans rapidly increased in the population;
and, because they were susceptible to retinal disease, blindness
increased dramatically - at twice the rate of population growth.
Physicians were alarmed because the retina was, and still is, the
most difficult tissue in the eye to treat. Even with the advent of
the laser, surgeons were incapable of treating most cases of
degenerative retinal disorders. Basic research was badly needed to
take us to a new level where improved therapies could be developed.
Across the nation, there were only a handful of voluntary groups
with the will and the means to tackle this problem. Retina
Research Foundation (RRF), established in 1969, was one of those
organizations. By the 1980s, RRF had become a voice for
retina research in an effort to reduce the incidence of retinal
disease, which was fast becoming the leading cause of blindness in
developing countries.
Undaunted, the Foundation steadily raised funds each year for vision
scientists who were nationally recognized for their work in retina
research. Government funding for eye research increased
dramatically, and the field of retina research matured.
As this body of knowledge grew, RRF programs were expanded to
include major awards that recognize established retina scientists
and contribute to their ongoing research. The Foundation also
developed scientific exchange programs to disseminate knowledge of
the dramatic advances that were being made in the laboratory.
Today's blind number 42 million worldwide. In the developing
countries where life expectancy is short, blindness continues to be
caused by cataract and infectious diseases. In the developed
countries where populations are aging, retinal disease is the
leading cause of blindness.
In the U.S., there are now 14 million diabetics who are prime
targets for diabetic eye disorders; 40 percent of them have
retinopathy to some degree. An additional 10 million Americans
suffer visual loss due to macular degeneration, a retinal
disorder affecting older people primarily. Children and young and
adults are also prey to retinal blindness caused by retinitis
pigmentosa, retinoblastoma, and other inherited retinal
disorders. Added to the physical and emotional pain these disorders
cause, is the staggering economic burden. The National Eye Institute
estimates that eye disorders and blindness cost our nation more than
$ 22 billion annually.
It was, therefore, to meet these needs and this great challenge
that RRF was born!
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