Whether it's on doctor's orders or failing a licence renewal medical, or simply feeling too old to drive safely, there comes a time when we have to hang up our car keys and hand in our licences.
One common reason older Australians stop driving is age related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in Australia.
Seen mostly in people aged over 50, one in seven Australians - or 1.15 million people - show some evidence of the disease, yet many don't even know it.
There are hundreds of thousands of NRMA Members over the age of 50, so there is a good chance you or a loved one could unknowingly living with sight-stealing disease.
What is age related macular degeneration?
Age related macular degeneration is an eye condition which affects the central part of your retina called the macula.
It causes progressive changes to your central vision, affecting the ability to read, drive, recognise faces and perform activities that require detailed vision.
Macular degeneration is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include age, family history and smoking. But while it's not possible to change your family history or age, it is possible to reduce the risk of macular degeneration or slow progression of this by making positive diet and lifestyle changes.
Early symptoms and prevention
It is possible to have the very early signs of macular degeneration without even knowing. This is why it is vital to have regular vision tests by an eye care professional, particularly if you are at risk of the disease due to age, lifestyle factors or family history.
The Macular Disease Foundation Australia, a charity committed to reducing the incidence and impact of macular disease has outlined the following early signs to be aware of:
- Difficulty in reading or any other activity which requires fine vision
- Distortion where straight lines appear wavy or bent
- Difficulty distinguishing faces
- Dark patches or empty spaces appear in the centre of your vision
- The need for increased illumination, sensitivity to glare, decreased night vision and poor colour sensitivity may also indicate something is wrong.
Julie Heraghty, CEO of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, advises that any sudden changes to vision should be reported to an optometrist or opthalmologist urgently. "The earlier treatment is given, the more likely it is that vision can be saved. Delayed treatment increases the likelihood of losing sight."
Macular Disease Foundation Australia provides a free information kit of macular degeneration, including a free Amsler Grid for your family and friend, which you can use to test your vision between visits to your eye care professional.
If you or a loved one have already been diagnosed with macular degeneration, the foundation can also provide guidance and support to help with all aspects of the disease, including low vision, treatment and support services.
For more information or help, call 1800 111 709 or visit www.mdfoundation.com.au.