Specsavers Puts Spotlight on Eye Health

Specsavers Puts Spotlight on Eye Health for Macular Degenaration Awareness Week - the #1 Cause of Blindness in NZ

Macular Degeneration Awareness Week 25 – 31 May 2015

Macular Degeneration is the number one cause of blindness in New Zealand. So this Macular Degeneration Awareness Week, Specsavers is encouraging Kiwis to have regular eye exams to keep on top of their eye health and has partnered with food writer Trudi Nelson to provide some nutrition tips for healthy eyes.

Running from 25-31 May, Macular Degeneration Awareness Week puts the spotlight on Kiwis’ eye health – an important issue with one in seven Kiwis over the age of 50 estimated to be affected by Macular Degeneration (MD). Research commissioned by Specsavers* found that less than half of survey participants have heard of MD, even though it is estimated that by 2030 the number of people with the disease will increase by 70 percent.**

Specsavers New Lynn optometrist Philip Walsh says MD can go unnoticed for some time. “Symptoms include the inability to see fine details, difficulty driving and difficulty recognising people’s faces. It’s really important people get their eyes tested regularly.”

The survey also found that half of participants didn’t know their family history relating to eye health, which is alarming considering people with a family history of MD have a 50 percent chance of developing the disease themselves. Smoking is also a big risk factor, as smokers are three times at risk of developing MD and can develop the disease a decade earlier than non-smokers.

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, regular exercise and protecting your eyes from sunlight exposure, especially as a young person, have been found to help slow down the progression of MD.** Food writer Trudi Nelson says nutritionally there are steps we can take to improve our eye health and help prevent vision degeneration.

“Foods rich in omega-3s, vitamin A, C and E, selenium and zinc will help keep your vision sharp. Foods rich in antioxidants like leafy greens, orange and red vegetables, oily fish, nuts and eggs. A protein packed salmon spinach omelette, vegetarian frittata, super green smoothie or crunchy broccoli salad with a yoghurt dressing should help keep your eye on the ball and lessen the possibility of Macular Degeneration and cataracts,” says Ms Nelson.

MD affects the central part of the retina, the macula, which is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina processes all visual images and is responsible for your ability to read, recognise faces, drive and see colours.

According to Mr Walsh, age also plays a large role in increasing the risk of a number of eye health conditions including cataracts, glaucoma and Macular Degeneration. “As we age, the macula may degenerate progressively and cause distortion of the centre of vision. Ultimately, Macular Degeneration can cause permanent damage resulting in loss of central vision,” he adds.

Specsavers advises that everyone prioritises regular eye exams every two years to maintain good eye health as early detection is the best form of prevention against MD and other serious eye health conditions.

*Independent survey commissioned by Specsavers which captured responses of 1,549 New Zealanders.
**http://www.mdnz.org.nz/

Try these foods for lively eyes, recommended by food writer Trudi Nelson

Check out these recipes by food writer Trudi Nelson for good eye health

Vegetarian Frittata: http://fresh.co.nz/vegetarian-frittata/
Salmon Spinach Omelette: http://fresh.co.nz/salmon-spinach-omelette/
Crunchy Broccoli Salad: http://fresh.co.nz/crunchy-broccoli-salad/
Brazil Nut Chews: http://fresh.co.nz/brazil-nut-chews/
Super Green Smoothie: http://fresh.co.nz/super-green-smoothie/

ENDS

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