Macular Degeneration (MD) is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. MD affects central vision and to date there is still no cure for this disease. The good news however- is the earlier that MD is detected the more vision is likely to be retained. And so with this in mind we highlight Macular Degeneration Awareness Week that runs from the 27th May to the 2nd June.  

Know your risk

Did you know that if you have a family history of MD your risk of being diagnosed increases by 50%?

In an interview with a British newspaper earlier this year, Oscar winning actress Dame Judi Dench spoke about being diagnosed with macular degeneration. She told the Mirror that she “got what my ma had.” In the interview she also talked about how the condition had lead to difficulties in reading scripts and so she had someone else read them to her.

Also the risk of MD increases with age. One in seven people with Macular Degeneration are over the age of 50.

Now we can’t control our genes or our age, but there is a risk factor for MD that is definitely within our control. Smoking. Smokers are three times more likely to be diagnosed with Macular Degeneration than those who don’t smoke.

Risk management 

• Eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients that support eye health:
  - Lutein and zeaxnthin found in green leafy vegetables- especially spinach, are carotenoids concentrated in the macular region of the eye which work to help protect eye health.
  - Zinc, Vitamin C & Vitamin E from pumpkin seeds and oysters, citrus fruits and capsicum and whole grains and green leafy vegetables may help to provide antioxidant protection.
  - Selenium found in foods such as brazil nuts, garlic and wheat germ may help to prevent free radical damage.
  - Omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish such as salmon, tuna, anchovies and sardines are needed for optimal macular health.
• Get regular macula check-ups and eye tests
• Don’t smoke- if you need help quitting reach out for support. Call the National Quitline on 131 848 or visit www.quitnow.info.au 
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
• Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and cover up in a pair of well fitting sunnies that meet Australian standards.

The Blackmores Dr Paul Beaumont Research Fellowship for 2013 is open to researchers based in eligible Australian institutions to pursue research into nutritional and/or lifestyle aspects of Macular Degeneration, consistent with the mission of the Foundation to reduce the incidence and impact of Macular Degeneration. The scholoarship pays $50,000 p/a for two years and the closing date for applications is the 22 June 2012. For more detail on the scholarship go here.

Do you get your macula checked?

Comment

Name: *

Gender:

Male Female

Email Address: *

Comment:

 

I have read and agree to Blackmores Terms of use

* Your post may appear online after a member of the Blackmores Online Team has reviewed it.

Notification

Your post is pending approval

Your post has been sent to a Blackmores Administrator for approval as it contains words or phrases that may not comply with our Posting Guidelines and Terms of Service. A Blackmores Administrator will review your post to determine whether or not it can be published.

You will be notified via email when your post is published or if it has been declined.

For further information about what can and can't be discussed within the Blackmores Community, please view our Terms of Service and Posting Guidelines.