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UK Sight Loss Expected to Double by 2020 According to Experts

Latest research reveals that age-related macular degeneration (one of the UK’s leading causes of blindness) is currently affecting over 500,000 people with experts predicting this figure to increase
Health - 7 July 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
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  News Hooks:

Latest research reveals that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the over 50s within the UK. It causes the loss of clear central vision and in its late stage results in loss of central vision altogether.

AMD affects at least 500,000 people, with over 250,000 people currently registered as blind or partially sighted because of the condition. It can often lead to depression, isolation and a reduced quality of life.

AMD is an age related process which is a concern for our ageing population with experts predicting that by 2020 the number of people with the condition will double. A new study reveals that a yellow pigment which filters damaging blue light can be introduced through a dietary supplement and has shown extremely positive results in preventing the onset of AMD.

. Introduction:

Latest research reveals that age-related macular degeneration is the UK’s leading cause of blindness. It currently affects at least half a million people in the UK, with 1 in 50 sufferers over the age of fifty. Half of people with the disease are already registered as blind or partially sighted and this loss of sight can frequently lead to depression, isolation and poor quality of life. Experts predict that the number of AMD sufferers will double by 2020, a concern as Britain’s population continues to age.

So how can we prevent the number of AMD sufferers rising?

Joining us in the studio is Dr John Nolan, a vision scientist from the Institute of Vision Research.

. Suggested Questions:

How do AMD and blindness affect people in our area?

What causes AMD?

What are the symptoms and who is most likely to suffer from this condition?

When do we need to start thinking about our eye health?

What can we do to prevent the onset of AMD?

Where can we find our more information?