The macula is the central part of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina is responsible for your ability to read, drive, see colours clearly, and recognise faces. Macular Degeneration (MD) causes progressive macular damage, resulting in loss of central vision.

In New Zealand, MD affects one in seven people over the age of 50. It is estimated that the number of people with MD will have increased by 70 percent in 2030. MD is the most common cause of blindness.

Symptoms of MD include:

Having dark patches or empty spaces in the centre of your vision

Distortion, where straight lines appear wavy or bent

Difficulty distinguishing faces

Difficulty reading or doing an activity that requires fine vision.

There are two types of MD: wet and dry. Dry MD is more common and results in a gradual loss of central vision. It may progress to the wet MD form over time. The early stage of dry MD is characterised by the presence of drusen, small yellow deposits that build up under the retina and is easily detectable during an eye examination. At early stages, vision is unaffected, but advanced dry MD occurs when there is a significant loss of retinal pigment, making reading almost impossible and requiring people to rely on their peripheral vision which remains intact.

Conversely, wet MD is characterised by a sudden and severe loss of vision caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina. Immediate medical treatment of wet MD is essential if symptoms occur.

If you have any of the above symptoms, it's important to contact an eye specialist. Untreated, the majority of people with wet MD become functionally blind within two years. 

To keep your eyes healthy:

Keep a healthy diet and lifestyle. Limit your intake of fats by eating fish two to three times a week. Eat dark green leafy veggies, red and yellow veggies, and fresh fruit daily, and a handful of nuts a week

Don't smoke - smokers have three times the risk of developing MD and tend to develop MD 10 years earlier than non-smokers

Protect your eyes from sun exposure, especially when young

Have your eyes tested regularly by an optometrist or ophthalmologist

Consider a zinc, antioxidant or eye care supplement.

Blackmores Macu-Vision® is an antioxidant formula which provides important nutrients to the macular region of the eye. These include zinc and vitamins C and E, which play a significant role in defending against free radical damage in the macular region, retina, and lens of the eye. A percentage of sales from Macu-Vision supports Macular Degeneration New Zealand. Click here to download the Blackmores Eye Health Supplements Brochure.