personalEYES on Facebook

Mivision Issue 24 May 2008: Macular degeneration (MD) is by far Australia's leading cause of blindness.

 

In fact, according to a recent survey, about 48 percent of severe vision loss is due to MD. However, most Australians are unaware the disease even exists, let alone doing anything about it before it's too late. This month the Macular Degeneration Foundation will be doing anything in its power, via the national media, to inform Australians about the disease and the importance of eye health.

The week Sunday 25 to Saturday 31 May has been designated Macular Degeneration Week and its aim is simple - to shake Australians out of their complacency abou their eye health.

The raw statistics are indeed stark with one in seven Australians over the age of 50 affected by macular degeneration (the incidence increasing with age).

And to drive the message home, the MD Foundation has enlisted the help of some high profile Australians, including its patron Ita Buttrose and comedienne Jean Kitson, both who have had family members who suffer from the disease.

They will urge all Australians to have their eyes tested regularly and to get the macula checked.

However, the message is stronger from the MD Foundation to the eye care professional. They state that the optometrist is the "gatekeeper for early detection of MD" and that patients need to be educated and have their macula checked regularly.

Early detection is critical to saving sight and introducing the patient to risk reduction measures especially in the area of diet and lifestyle is very important.

Reducing the Risk

There are a number of steps you can recommend to help reduce their risk of developing the disease: