What are the risk factors associated with age-related macular degeneration and how can it be treated?
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. It is more common with age, in people with European backgrounds or fair skin, smokers, and those who have had a lot of exposure to sunlight. Wearing a hat and sunglasses when in sunlight, and consuming plenty of antioxidant containing foods such as green leafy vegetables and oily fish may help to prevent the condition. The progression of the disorder can sometimes be minimised through the use of drug or laser treatment, however once vision is lost it cannot often be restored. Those with reduced vision due to ARMD can benefit from the use of magnifiers and other low vision aids. Your eye hub optometrist can assist in determining which of these visual aids are most suitable for you.
