Macular Degeneration Awareness Week

22-28 May 2016

One in seven Australians over 50 show some evidence of macular degeneration.

Macular Degeneration Awareness Week (22-28 May 2016) is an initiative of Macular Disease Foundation Australia to raise awareness of this chronic disease and to encourage all Australians over age 50 to have an eye test and macula check.

Common symptoms include a gradual decline in the ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, dark or empty spaces in the centre of vision, dimming of colour vision and visual hallucinations.

These symptoms can sometimes include one or more of the following:

• Difficulty with reading or any other activity with fine vision
• Distortion where straight lines appear wavy or bent
• Distinguishing faces becomes a problem
• Dark patches or empty spaces appear in the centre of your vision

Changes to vision should never be dismissed as "just getting older" and early detection can save sight.

For further information, or to order a free macular degeneration information kit, contact Macular Disease Foundation Australia on 1800 111 709 or visit www.mdfoundation.com.au.