Local optometry business Eyes@Australind are inviting South West residents to visit their optometrist during Macular Degeneration Awareness Week.
Starting May 22, the store invite customers to conduct eye test and macula checks, in conjunction with a scan to detect macular degeneration which occurs at the back of the eye.
Eyes@Australind optometrist Helen Binckes said one in seven people over 50 have some evidence of macular degeneration – an alarming statistic given the rapidly ageing Australian population.
Risk factors include age, a direct family history and smoking.
Almost 1.2 million Australians over 50 have some evidence of the condition which is the nation’s leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness.
”Early detection is key to saving sight,” Mrs Binckes said.
“The very early signs of macular degeneration can now be easily identified by a simple OCT Macula scan in conjunction with your regular eye test.
“The OCT is a fast, non-invasive scan, which lets us look underneath the surface of the retina to detect Macular Degeneration at its earliest stage and accurately monitor it’s progression.
“Early diagnosis gives the best opportunity to save sight by implementing nutrition and lifestyle practices and allowing us timely access to treatment.”
For more information or an appointment, contact Eyes@Australind on 9796 1966 or visit their website eyesataustralind.com.au
