UK facing eye health crisis

The number of people suffering from age-related macular degeneration is set to rise by a quarter in the next 10 years, experts have warned.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition which affects the centre of the retina, known as the macula. It causes the loss of central vision, leaving the person with only peripheral, or side, vision.

Although it does not usually lead to total blindness, it is the most common form of sight loss in the developed world. Around 600,000 people in the UK alone are affected by AMD, and eye experts predict that another 239,000 will be diagnosed with the disease by the end of this year alone.

A poll of more than 4,000 UK adults carried out for the College of Optometrists found that half of those questioned had never heard of AMD, and only a third of smokers were aware that smoking could cause eye disease.

Similarly, only half of the people questioned were aware that diet may play a role in reducing the risk of developing eye disease like AMD.

The eye experts said that a lack of awareness of the symptoms of the disease meant that some people may be suffering from sight loss unnecessarily and others may not be getting the treatment they need.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the College of Optometrists, said: "Age-related macular degeneration is the biggest single cause of sight loss in the UK so it is concerning that so few people are aware of it and its symptoms.

"There are two forms of AMD, wet and dry. There is currently no cure for either forms but early diagnosis and treatment of wet AMD - which is acute - is crucial in order to prevent vision loss.

"Dry AMD is which more common but develops gradually, is not treatable but there are services available to support people with this condition.

"By making people more aware of AMD and the impact that it can have, we hope to increase detection and people seeking access to support services.”

"It is not known what causes AMD, but a family history, obesity, diet, smoking and age are all thought to be contributing factors.

Dr Blakeney also added: “While AMD is a condition associated with older age, there are steps you can take earlier in life to minimise your risk. Research suggests that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables and oily fish may help prevent AMD.

"Smoking also doubles your chances of developing the condition so quitting can also reduce your risk. I would also recommend that you regularly check the vision of each eye separately so that you can spot early changes."

Early warning signs of wet AMD

Look at each eye separately and check for any of the following:

• Distorted vision; straight lines become wavy or objects appear to be the wrong size (check by looking at straight objects like door frames or venetian blinds)
• Blurry or blank patches in your central vision
• Difficulty reading, recognising people's faces, driving, looking at small objects and watching television

Wet AMD develops much more quickly than dry AMD and can often be treated if it is caught early. It tends to start in one eye and you may not notice it affecting your vision since your other eye can still see clearly, and therefore compensates for the affected eye.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see your optometrist or a doctor immediately.

This article was published on Tue 15 March 2011