Sight loss is not an inevitable part of ageing, says leading sight loss charity RNIB

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Judi Dench's confession of severe sight problems from Macular Degeneration* highlights the plight suffered by many older people. But sight loss is no longer an inevitable consequence of ageing, there are things people can do to protect their vision, says leading sight loss charity Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. As its name suggests it mainly affects people in their 60 and 70’s. There are two types of AMD, referred to as wet and dry. Research indicates that there will be an increase in the number of people diagnosed with AMD over the next decade. While there is no treatment for dry AMD, with swift diagnosis and treatment, people no longer need to lose their sight to wet AMD. Early detection is vital.

What to look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms make an appointment with your optometrist (optician) or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk

* Your central vision is blurred and straight lines appear wavy or fuzzy
* Your eyes are sensitive to light or you see lights and colours that aren’t there
* You struggle to recognise faces or see the small print in newspapers
* Your overall vision is blurred or cloudy
* You have blank spots in your vision

Clara Eaglen, Policy and Campaigns Manager at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said: "Our eye sight can deteriorate as we get older, but sight loss isn't an inevitable consequence of ageing. There are things people can do to protect their vision.

"Wearing the right prescription glasses or contact lenses is essential and regular eye tests, at least every two years, can pick up conditions such as AMD or glaucoma.

"A healthy lifestyle is also important. Smokers not only double their risk of developing AMD, they also tend to develop it earlier than non-smokers do. However, stopping smoking and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables can help to keep your eyes as healthy as possible for as long as possible."