Macular Degeneration (MD) is the name given to a group of degenerative retinal eye diseases that cause progressive loss of central vision, leaving the peripheral (or side) vision intact.       

Macular Degeneration is the most common form of blindness in people over 60 and is usually related to aging but with early detection and the best treatment, loss of vision does not need to be inevitable.

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Symptoms

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The visual symptoms of AMD involve loss of central vision.  While peripheral vision is unaffected, one loses the sharp, straight-ahead vision necessary for driving, reading, recognising faces, and generally looking at detail.

 

Diet can play a role in good eye health. Studies suggest that diet is important in reducing the risk of Macular Degeneration and in slowing its progression.  Eating a healthy well-balanced diet, high in antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients can help keep our eyes healthy.  Also, regular eye checks help to reduce the incidence of blindness in New Zealand.