Living with Vision Loss

Regular vision and eye examinations are an essential part of life for all ages, and assist in the detection of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. We have endeavoured to link you to pages where you can find further information and assistance.

Age Related Macular Degeneration

Websites of Interest

Save Our Sight 2005

Since 2002 the New Zealand Association of Optometrists have been leading a health promotion campaign promoting regular eye examinations. The 2005 campaign is underway with a month-long promotion during August.

For further information view 2005 Save Our Sight campaign, or the New Zealand Association of Optometrists website.

Age Related Macular Degeneration

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral, or side, vision intact. It is the leading cause of blindness for people over 50 in New Zealand. In August 2004 the Save Our Sight Coalition is staging its annual, month long awareness campaign.

The macula is part of the retina that is reponsible for central vision which is needed for reading, driving and recognising facial expressions. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration.

Dry ARMD occurs when the retina thins and sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. Over time, people start to lose the central vision in the affected eye because less of the macula is working. Dry AMD often occurs in one eye at first, although people may get the disease in the other eye later.
Wet ARMD is caused when new blood vessels behind the retina start growing towards the macula. These blood vessels are very fragile and can lead blood and fluid causing rapid damage and severe vision loss in a very short time.

Things you can do for your maculas

Stop smoking
Eat a diet rich in fresh fruit and dark green leafy vegetables
Eat fish at least twice a week
Protect your eyes from ultraviolet light
Control cholesterol and blood pressure levels
Check your vision regularly

To find out more about this disease view the New Zealand Association of Optometrists website or phone 0800 4 EYECARE (0800 439 322).

Information from the Save Our Sight Campaign

Websites of Interest

Age Related Macular Degeneration is a very prevalent form of eye disease affecting millions of older people worldwide. Try the website Age Related Macular Degeneration .

The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind are well known for their practical assistance for people who are vision impaired. Click on their link above to find out more.

The New Zealand Association of Optometrists have an information page on eye health. The website includes an article on the Ageing Eye, your requirements for driving, Glaucoma, and various eye conditions.

The Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand (ABC NZ) has ensured that the blind speak for themselves to Government, service providers, and the community in general. On this site, you'll learn about their work, and will have the opportunity to access frequently updated information about the ABC NZ's activities.

Here is a link also to The New Zealand Organisation for Deafblind People . You can also try the link to www.deafblind.com This a very informative and comprehensive website set up by James Gallagher who is deafblind. The website discusses a wealth of information and has many resources and websites to search.

NEW Association of Blind Citizens is a New Zealand website for people with vision loss.

Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 04/12/2008