Time Lost is Vision Lost – Early Detection Saves Sight!

MEDIA RELEASE: MACULAR DEGENERATION NZ May 2015

Time Lost is Vision Lost – Early Detection Saves Sight!
Awarness Week 25 To 31 May 2015

Macular Degeneration (MD) is the leading cause of blindness in NZ for people over 50 years of age, affecting one person in 7 in this ‘at risk’ group. A Galaxy Poll conducted in March 2014 reveals that only 48% of New Zealanders over 50 understand that macular degeneration affects the eyes. It is well documented that an increase in community awareness is reflected in earlier referral and treatment, reducing the number of people with severe vision loss. In Australia, as a result of awareness campaigns, an identical poll identified an awareness of 88%. This is reflected in Australia being world leaders in treatment outcomes.

While many people dismiss the warning signs of MD as an inevitable part of the ageing process, everyone over the age of 50 should have their macula checked regularly, particularly those with a family history of MD, who have a 50% greater chance of developing the disease. The most severe form of MD (wet MD) which accounts for the greatest proportion of people with severe vision loss can progress within weeks or months leading to irretrievable vision loss. Without treatment, 50% of people with the most severe form of MD (wet MD) will lose vision to registerable blindness within 3 months.

Prevalence of age-related MD in NZ is expected to markedly increase from 2014 to 2026 with the growing aging population. NZ prevalence in 2014 for the 45-85 age group is estimated to be 184,400 (10% of this age group) and increase 12.9% to 208,200 in 2026.

Macular Degeneration New Zealand (MDNZ) will be conducting FREE Education and Treatment Seminars around New Zealand following Awareness Week. These seminars will be led by a local Ophthalmologist who will share the latest information on research and treatments, as well as the management and the impact of living with this eye disease.

Wanaka - 6 June Invercargill - 7 June Rotorua - 13 June Taupo – 14 June
Kerikeri – 27 June Whangarei – 28 June Nelson – 4 July Blenheim – 5 July
Timaru – 18 July Auckland – 29 August Levin – 12 September Waikanae–13 September

MDNZ welcomes those with Macular Degeneration, their families, friends and carers and anyone with an interest in learning more about macular degeneration.

Phone 0800 622 852 or email info@mdnz.org.nz to register attendance as capacity is limited.

ENDS

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