Street scene: What people with MD see   Seniors going blind
As patron of the Macular Degeneration Foundation, Ita Buttrose is helping to create a community awareness of macular degeneration (MD) and she wants all Australians, especially older Australians, to become more aware of MD and of their eye health
generally. Jana Pearce reports.
 
As the former high-profile editor of Australian Woman's Weekly, there are few Australians who would not have heard of Ita Buttrose but most don't know that Ita's late father, who was also a journalist, had MD.
Ita said her father loved to start the day by reading newspapers and for him to lose this pleasure was devastating.
"He devoured newspaper after newspaper every morning but MD left him seriously vision impaired. He could see the dog dripping water on the floor after it had been in the		   Ita Butrose creating awareness of MD

pool, but he wasn't able to read," said Ita.
"My uncle also has MD which means genetically, I am in a high risk category. At least, I am aware, and to help reduce the risk, I get regular checks, and watch lifestyle factors - I eat fish especially salmon, dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli, and yellow vegetable like carrots and pumpkin, and wear sunnies outdoors.
Ita is keen to raise awareness of the effects of MD not only on people who have the disease but also their friends and family.
The Macular Degeneration Foundation recently released details of the new research that shows 78 per cent of Australians have never had their macula checked.
The macula is the central part of the retina at the back of the eye responsible for seeing fine detail and colour.
Damage to the macula leads to central vision loss and MD which is the leading cause of blindness in Australia.
"Having your eyes tested and, in particular, having your macula checked is critical in reducing the risk of blindness," said Ita.
Julie Heraghty, CEO, Macular Degeneration Foundation said that people over 50 years old, smokers or ex-smokers and those with a family history, are at a high risk of MD and the incidence increases with age.
"The importance of regular health checks for conditions such as heart disease is becoming more accepted within society," said Ms Heraghty. "Yet, although more Australians are concerned with losing their sight than having a heart attack, relatively little community attention is focused on having the macula checked.
"Early detection and seeking treatment immediately are vital in helping to save as much sight as possible, she said.
Australian actress-comedienne Jean Kittson knows first-hand the devastating affects of MD - her mother currently has the disease.
"We don't always understand, until someone close to us loses their sight, how devastating it can be. As most people are, my mother was extremely vital and independent and this terrible condition has made her rely almost totally on my father for most of her needs.
"Reading and driving have been the most distressing pleasures to lose, while normal activities such as shopping and cooking and even watching television have become very frustrating and difficult. I urge all Australians to have their eyes tested and make sure the macula is checked," she said.

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