An eye test is key to detecting MD but with new research revealing that 56 per cent of Australians have put off having an eye test, many are putting themselves at risk of irreversible blindness.

In addition, risk factors such as smoking, a diet low in omega 3 and insufficient exercise contribute to the prediction that the number of Australians affected by MD will increase to 1.7 million by 2030 without appropriate prevention and treatment measures.

The macula is the central part of the retina which helps us process all visual images; responsible for the ability to read, recognise faces, read road signs safely and see colours. MD causes progressive macula damage, resulting in loss of central vision.

The disease comes in two forms: dry MD, which causes gradual vision loss, and wet MD, which is much more rapid and if untreated, can lead to functional blindness within two years. MD affects the centre of your sight and can result in blind spots, blurred or distorted vision and eventual blindness.

This disease can go unnoticed for some time, but symptoms include the inability to see fine details, difficulty driving and difficulty recognising people’s faces.

In the fight against the disease, this Macular Degeneration Awareness Week (May 22-28) the team at Specsavers Salamander Bay are encouraging locals to come in store to test your eyes. Specsavers Salamander Bay offers free Digital Retinal Photography with every standard eye check, which can help with early detection of MD and other serious diseases.

It’s really important to have an eye test every two years as some serious eye conditions, such as MD, do not always have obvious warning signs.

A regular eye check only takes around 20 minutes but could be critical in protecting your long term sight. In addition, I urge people to look at the risk factors that may be increasing their chances of developing MD, such as smoking, a poor diet, a family history of the disease and high blood pressure.

While there is no cure for dry MD, there are treatment options which can slow down the progression of blindness in wet MD. Along with having an eye test, Australians over 50 should incorporate good eye health practices into their diet and lifestyle, such as eating plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit and fish, and quitting smoking.