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UK rise in age-related macular degeneration predicted | UK rise in age-related macular degeneration predicted |
(1 day later) | |
UK experts are predicting a steep rise in the rate of an eye condition that is already a leading cause of blindness. | UK experts are predicting a steep rise in the rate of an eye condition that is already a leading cause of blindness. |
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects more than 600,000 Britons. | Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects more than 600,000 Britons. |
But an ageing population means this figure could rise by a quarter to nearly 756,000 by 2020, according to recent research in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. | |
Yet half of UK adults have never heard of AMD, a poll by the College of Optometrists suggests. | Yet half of UK adults have never heard of AMD, a poll by the College of Optometrists suggests. |
The survey of over 4,000 also found many people were unaware that a poor diet and smoking increases the risk of AMD. | The survey of over 4,000 also found many people were unaware that a poor diet and smoking increases the risk of AMD. |
AMD affects a tiny part of the retina at the back of the eye that controls central vision. | AMD affects a tiny part of the retina at the back of the eye that controls central vision. |
This makes it difficult for the individual to see fine detail, such as recognising people's faces, reading or watching television. | This makes it difficult for the individual to see fine detail, such as recognising people's faces, reading or watching television. |
There are two forms of AMD, wet and dry. | 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 develops rapidly - is crucial in order to prevent vision loss. | There is currently no cure for either forms but early diagnosis and treatment of wet AMD - which develops rapidly - is crucial in order to prevent vision loss. |
Dry AMD, which is more common, develops gradually and is not treatable but there are services available to support people with this condition. | Dry AMD, which is more common, develops gradually and is not treatable but there are services available to support people with this condition. |
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. | 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. |
"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." | "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." |
While AMD is a condition associated with older age, there are steps you can take earlier in life to minimise your risk. | 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. | 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. | Smoking also doubles your chances of developing the condition so quitting can also reduce your risk. |
Dr Blakeney said: "I also recommend to patients that they regularly check the vision in each eye separately so that they can spot early changes. | Dr Blakeney said: "I also recommend to patients that they regularly check the vision in each eye separately so that they can spot early changes. |
"It is easy to do and only takes a couple of seconds, yet it could save your sight. You can do it by looking at a bit of graph paper and checking if you see any distortion or blank spots." | "It is easy to do and only takes a couple of seconds, yet it could save your sight. You can do it by looking at a bit of graph paper and checking if you see any distortion or blank spots." |
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