Macular disease is the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia. Adelaide City Optometrist is urging South Australians to take action and protect their sight during Macula Month.
Macula Month runs from 1 to 31 May annually, and aims to raise awareness of macular disease. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic and progressive disease of the macula. It can result in loss of central vision, and is the most common macular disease.
The focus of Macula Month this year is the hereditary risk of AMD. Macula Month is an initiative of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA), the peak national body representing the macular disease community, their families and carers.
One in seven Australians over the age of 50 have some evidence of AMD, yet are not aware of it. “Early stages of the disease typically have little to no impact on vision and can only be detected through technology, such as optical coherence tomography. This produces high resolution, cross-sectional images that allow macular degeneration to be identified and monitored”, Paul Fotkou from Adelaide City Optometrist warned.
“You are at an increased risk of AMD if a parent or sibling has the disease”, he said. “70 percent of cases have a genetic link, therefore it is important to inform family members if you have been diagnosed with it.”
“You are also at a higher risk if you smoke, or are over the age of 50,” Paul warns. It is important to have annual eye examinations to detect any changes in vision and the health of the eye.
While many people wrongly confuse symptoms with signs of ageing, the most common symptoms of AMD include:
- Difficulty in reading or doing any activity that requires fine vision;
- Optical distortion, where straight lines appear wavy or bent;
- Problems distinguishing faces; and
- Dark patches appearing in your central vision.
Changes in your vision should always be discussed with and checked by an eye health professional. While the likelihood of developing AMD increases with age, it is never too early to start taking preventative measures.
To encourage optimal macula health, expert optometrist Paul Fotkou recommends:
- Visiting an optometrist annually to look for signs of AMD, or more regularly if symptoms have been identified, as advised by your optometrist;
- Reducing the frequency of, if not quitting, smoking – smokers are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers;
- Exercising regularly and eating a macula friendly diet – the risk of AMD can be reduced by eating fish two to three times a week, green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit daily, and a handful of nuts weekly;
- Protecting your eyes from sunlight exposure with sunglasses; and
- Monitoring changes in your vision by using an Amsler grid – this is a free, simple tool available at Adelaide City Optometrist or Macula Disease Foundation Australia.
For more information, visit our information page on Macular Degeneration, or visit the Macular Disease Foundation Australia. If you have any concerns or are interested in a comprehensive macula check and eye examination, book an appointment today.