On rare occasions, we as human beings have the opportunity to do something that could positively impact the lives of millions. And sometimes through our own personal hardships, we end up in the unique position of contributing to life-altering changes for people we don’t even know – and if we’re lucky, for ourselves as well.

Take medical research.

“Research is the future of health care, because without it we don’t move forward, we stagnate,” said Luana Wilbur, clinical research director of Eye Center Northeast. “There are several reasons that people participate in research studies. They do it for the betterment of mankind, or they have no health care coverage and this is a way to receive medical care.”

One of the biggest reasons people join research studies is that they are desperate to find help, she added. They have tried everything for their condition and nothing is working.

“Two groups of Bangor area physicians are currently seeking volunteers to participate in ophthalmology research projects,” said Wilbur. “Drs. Jean Tibbetts and David Douglass at Eye Center Northeast, as well as doctors. Deborah Hoffert, Thomas Flynn and Robert Takach at Maine Vitreoretinal Consultants, are all very excited about a number of ongoing projects.”

They include research on:

. Dry eye, a condition in which patients may experience an overall feeling of dryness, grittiness, feeling as though something is in one eye or both, light sensitivity, intermittent blurring of vision or varying degrees of stinging or burning.

. Glaucoma or ocular hypertension, a leading cause of blindness worldwide and is often without symptoms.

. Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the membrane that covers the eye and eyelid inner surface. It can be highly contagious. It has varied causes and requires medical attention.

. Dry age-related macular degeneration, which is being researched at Maine Vitreoretinal Consultants, as well as the wet form of macular degeneration. “There are some exciting projects starting within the next few months,” said Wilbur.

. Diabetic macular edema. We are lucky to live in this area as Dr. Hoffert was one of the first physicians in all of New England to offer intra-vitreal steroid injections to treat this condition.

Of course, there are no guarantees in research. While it is science, it is not an exact science. You may not find a miracle drug but then again – who knows. The research projects face intense scrutiny from the FDA and the Independent Review Board.

And there are a couple of perks associated with being part of a study.

“Qualifying patients should know that reports are sent to their eye doctors informing them of their patient’s participation,” said Wilbur. “All participants are sent back to their regular eye doctor at the completion of a project and are asked to see them during participation for any nonstudy-related testing they would normally need. All study-related examinations, specialty testing, supplies and study medication are provided at no charge, and all research participants are paid a stipend to assist with their time and travel expenses.”

To see whether you qualify for a research study, or to obtain more information on projects at Eye Center Northeast, call Luana Wilbur at 947-1291, or e-mail lwilbur@eyecenterne.com.

For more information on projects at Maine Vitreoretinal Consultants, call Dawn Sutherland, research coordinator, at 945-4474; e-mail dsutherlandmvc@yahoo.com.

“It is so wonderful for people to be able to be a part of these important studies right here in Maine,” said Wilbur. “Not that long ago, an elderly woman was in a study for macular degeneration and had to take a bus to Boston every four weeks. That doesn’t have to happen anymore.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or visit www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.