Early Detection of Cause of Blindness Vital

15 November 2007
Media statement: New Zealand Association of Optometrists.

Early Detection of Leading Cause of Blindness is Essential

Early detection is vital in treating the leading cause of blindness amongst the over fifites, according to the New Zealand Association of Optometrists.

Lesley Frederikson, National Director of the New Zealand Association of Optometrists says ` Optometrists have an important role to play in detecting and monitoring AMD by checking your standard of vision and examining the macula for signs of the disease at routine eye examinations. Early detection is essential to treating some types of AMD.’

Frederikson explained: `The new class of drugs, known as anti-angiogenics, which includes Lucentis, have changed the approach to the ‘wet’ type of AMD. For the first time treatment can actually reverse the damage to vision.’

She pointed out that age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the commonest causes of vision loss for people over the age of 50 in New Zealand. There have been significant developments recently in our understanding of its underlying cause; in the options for therapeutic and surgical intervention; and in detection and diagnosis through emerging technology for retinal imaging; all of which have transformed the clinical management of a patient with AMD.

In the early stages of the disease AMD, central vision may be blurred or distorted and things may look an unusual size or shape. This may happen quickly or develop over several months, although if only one eye is affected it may not be noticed. Some people with AMD may become sensitive to light or find it harder to distinguish colours. Anyone with these symptoms should see their optometrist who will advise them whether they need to be referred to an ophthalmologist for medical treatment.

A number of factors appear to increase the risk of AMD. These include smoking, a high-fat diet and excessive sun exposure. Risk also increases with advancing age and may be more common in those with a family history of AMD.

There is some evidence that eating fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables may delay or reduce the severity of AMD. Some studies show that taking prescribed nutritional supplements may be effective in slowing the progression of AMD although they do not prevent its initial development nor improve vision already lost.

Membership of the New Zealand Association of Optometrists is voluntary and is open to all registered optometrists. Around 96% of all registered optometrists practicing in New Zealand are in fact members. These include self-employed, salaried, hospital-employed and academic optometrists. Current membership stands at 615 members.
The work of the NZAO includes:
• Promoting the importance of eye and vision care to the public;
• Maintaining the highest clinical standards through credentialling, continuing professional development, and best practice standards;
• Representing the eye care interests of the public to Government and the Ministry of Health.

Ends

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