Improved outlook for age-related macular degeneration

A public conference on Australia’s leading cause of blindness has heard that the outlook for people with age-related macular degeneration is now much brighter.

Centre for Eye Research Australia’s Associate Professor Robyn Guymer recently presented ‘What’s new in age-related macular degeneration?’ in association with health practitioners and service providers.

“Greater awareness of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), improved treatment options and effective support services mean that people can live with the condition, instead of suffering from the condition,” Prof Guymer said.

“The development of Lucentis as a treatment has revolutionised the management of the wet form of AMD. Similarly, people with the condition are benefiting from access to information and support services.”

The conference, supported by the Macular Vision Loss Support Society of Australia and Vision Australia, heard that AMD has a heredity value and that researchers had identified some associated genes.  Guests also heard a patient’s perspective of the condition as well as information from a psychologist, general practitioner and optometrist.

Age-related macular degeneration affects the central area of the retina at the back of the eye, reducing central vision. About 30 % of people aged in their 80s have AMD.

An audio recording of ‘What’s new in age-related macular degeneration?’ is available now for download from www.cera.org.au or from the Macula Vision Loss Support Society of Australia.