Perfect vision: 4 ways to avoid macular degeneration

24 May 2016

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean your sight has to diminish too. While macular degeneration is the number one cause of blindness and severe loss of sight in Australia, there are ways of reducing your risk. 

It's Macular Degeneration Week, so it's a great time to get your eyes checked. Macular degeneration is the name of a group of degenerative diseases of the retina that cause progressive, painless loss of central vision.

However, if it’s caught early enough, there are ways that it can be treated. 

Here are some helpful ways to take care of your eyes and decrease your risk of macular degeneration week. 

1. Have regular eye tests

“I think it’s really important that people consider their eye health like they would their dental checks, blood pressure and cholesterol tests. It’s part of your overall health care and we all have to take responsibility for that,” says Julie. 

“You might get a notice from your healthcare professional to let you know when your next appointment is due, but you still have to pick up the phone and book a time in.”

2. Don’t ignore any changes in your vision

According to Julie, one of the biggest issues older Australians have with their eyesight is ignoring any sudden changes in their vision, which can prove to be detrimental to their health. 

While there is now very effective treatment for both wet and dry macular degeneration, the earlier the condition is detected, the less likely it is that your sight may deteriorate. 

“People tend to think the problem is just with their glasses and they promise to themselves, ‘Next time I’m at the optometrist (and that could be in another year), I’ll mention it to them,” she says.

These changes may be things like having difficulty with fine vision like reading, noticing a black spot in the centre of your vision, empty spaces or lines like a Venetian blind that have suddenly become distorted, explains Julie.

“It’s amazing what people can rationalise away…people don’t see these changes as a medical emergency,” she says.

3. Use an Amsler grid

An Amsler grid is a free tool from the Macular Degeneration Foundation that you can use in between visits to your optometrist to test your eyes and monitor symptoms of MD.

To order your free Amsler grid, click here.  

For instructions on how to use the Amsler grid, click here. 

4. Enjoy a healthy diet and lifestyle

Just like preventing heart disease and diabetes, eating low GI foods, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking all help to reduce your risk of MD, says Julie.