How much of your family will you see in the future? Macular degeneration (MD) is the leading cause of blindness in New Zealand. It affects one person in seven over 50; and one person in four over 80.
Many people take sight for granted - it is one of our most precious gifts. As we age we may have more time to smell the flowers, but will we be able to see them? The older we get, the more at risk we are of losing vision as a result of MD. There are two types of MD; Dry may be progressive and the Wet can be much more sudden. Early detection is important to save sight. In its early stages there may be no symptoms - which is why it is important for people over 50 to have a regular eye exam with an eye care professional. As the condition progresses, MD can cause many different symptoms including: difficulty reading or distinguishing faces, distortion, dark patches or empty spaces in central vision. Symptoms should never be dismissed as just part of 'getting older'.
Diet can help save your sight!
Did you know that Omega-3 is vital to eye health and eating oily fish 2-3 times per week can reduce your risk of developing MD?
Dr Dianne Sharp, ophthalmologist and Chairperson of MDNZ, says diet is just as important to eye health as it is to our overall wellbeing. "Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet high in antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients can help our eyes stay healthy. Studies such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) have focused on how important diet is in reducing the risk and in slowing down the progression of MD."
