UK rise in age-related macular degeneration predicted

Age-related macular degeneration has recently been on the rise in the UK, affecting the vision of over 600,000 Britons. This disease disrupts the function of the retina in allowing normal central vision. Individuals that suffer from AMD are subject to losing sight of fine detail such as people's faces. There are two types which include wet and dry. The dry form of AMD is non treatable. However wet AMD is treatable. AMD can result in blindness if not treated or diagnosed early enough. Dr. Susan Blakeney who is an optometric advisor to the College of Optometrists states that AMD is the biggest single cause of sight loss in the UK. Although this disease primarily affects the ageing population, it is important for individuals who may not be part of the ageing group to be informed of the causes and prevention of this disease. People who do not smoke and consume a diet that consists of green vegetables, bright fruits and oily fish may lower their risk for developing AMD. For older individuals with a high chance of developing AMD, it is important for them to be informed on how to check their vision for abnormal sight. After reading this article it is clear that this has been an issue that has been going on for a while. With estimates of nearly 756,000 subject to future diagnosis, it seems as if not enough is being done to promote awareness of the disease. The ability to see is one of the most valuable functions our body has. This is a serious health concern for the ageing population and promoting awareness is vital for the UK's people. One way the UK can make people more aware is by having local public health agencies hand out resources such as brochures or even graph paper as mentioned in the article to check eyesight. Brochures will be beneficial by informing the public on the seriousness of the disease, ways to prevent it, and ways to treat it. Also the brochure may include places people may go to seek help if they do in fact suffer from the disease.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12736988