Bunyip Garfield Joint Meeting (MD)
Posted by Greg Peck on Feb 15, 2017
Macular Degeneration (MD) - Australia’s Leading cause of blindness
Donna Hendry senior education officer from the Macular Disease Foundation Australia outlined the
importance of eye health to Pakenham and Bunyip/Garfield Rotary clubs at a joint meeting on
Wednesday 15 th February. The meeting was well attended by Pakenham Rotary.
Although there is no cure for MD, there are treatments that slow down its progress. Early detection
of the problem is vital and it is important that older Australian’s have their eyes tested every year.
MD begins in the back of the eye when the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) breaks down. The RPE
is like a “garbage collection system” it breaks down the waste products from the retina. When it
does not work fatty deposits build up and these can be seen as yellow spots by a professional eye
professional.
Reduce the risk
Have a yearly eye test and make sure the macula is checked
Don’t’ smoke
Keep a healthy lifestyle, control weight and exercise regularly
Eat a healthy well- balanced diet
Eat fish two to three times a week, dark leafy vegetables, nuts and fresh fruit daily. Limit fats
and oils
Use an ‘Amsler Grid’ daily to check for symptoms of MD (Grid below)
Donna Hendry senior education officer from the Macular Disease Foundation Australia outlined the
importance of eye health to Pakenham and Bunyip/Garfield Rotary clubs at a joint meeting on
Wednesday 15 th February. The meeting was well attended by Pakenham Rotary.
Although there is no cure for MD, there are treatments that slow down its progress. Early detection
of the problem is vital and it is important that older Australian’s have their eyes tested every year.
MD begins in the back of the eye when the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) breaks down. The RPE
is like a “garbage collection system” it breaks down the waste products from the retina. When it
does not work fatty deposits build up and these can be seen as yellow spots by a professional eye
professional.
Reduce the risk
Have a yearly eye test and make sure the macula is checked
Don’t’ smoke
Keep a healthy lifestyle, control weight and exercise regularly
Eat a healthy well- balanced diet
Eat fish two to three times a week, dark leafy vegetables, nuts and fresh fruit daily. Limit fats
and oils
Use an ‘Amsler Grid’ daily to check for symptoms of MD (Grid below)
Cover one eye, focus on centre dot. If lines are not straight or centre dot is blurred or missing
have your eyes checked!
Provide adequate protection for your eyes from sunlight exposure
Provide adequate protection for your eyes from sunlight exposure
