Age-related macular degeneration is a devastating eye disease that affects 15 million Americans and is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. It strikes nearly 10 percent of people over the age of 65 and nearly 30 percent of everyone over 75. There is no known cure for macular degeneration -- and the exact cause of the disease has not been found. However, a University of Iowa cell biologist and key member of the university's first-of-a-kind macular degeneration center says most cases are genetic and smoking has been identified as a contributing factor. A new book written by a retired UI ophthalmic illustrator, now 90 years old, is helping scientists, ophthalmologists and their patients better understand this debilitating disease. In his 120-page book, "The Hole in My Vision: An Artist's View of His Own Macular Degeneration," Lee Allen describes vividly his 12-year battle with macular degeneration. A host of illustrations he drew vividly illustrates the disease process. Thomas M. Weingeist, MD, PhD, professor and head of the UI Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, says the book provides an unusual view of the disease through the author's own eyes. "Here, with a level of accuracy never before attempted, we can see the patient's view looking out at the world through his damaged eyes and compare it to the view his doctor saw while looking into his eyes." Allen, protege of the noted Iowa artist Grant Wood, was uniquely qualified to draw the sketches -- for nearly 40 years he drew, photographed and studied eye diseases as an illustrator and researcher for the UI eye department. Rich in quotes and examples, the article tells readers about the only current viable treatment, laser surgery, and gives them hope that researchers are making significant progress in tracking down the cause of the disease and in finding a cure for it. Excellent color photographs are available as well.