(PreserveMacForte.com) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients living in South Tyneside, United Kingdom, now have a new support group that they can benefit from, reported The Shields Gazette on 15 May.
According to the article, Member of Parliament Emma Lewell-Buck was on hand to official open the Macular Group located at South Tyneside Sight Service in Gordon Street, South Shields.
The article noted that AMD is the most prevalent cause of vision loss in the UK. The disease, which has a dry form and a wet form, damages the portion of the eye designed to facilitate central vision. Only about 10% of those who develop dry AMD go on to get wet AMD, the more serious of the two types since it can lead to unrepairable vision impairment.
According to the article, people who get AMD eventually have trouble reading books and magazines, watching television or even recognizing the faces of family, friends and acquaintances.
The article added that the group has been relaunched following alterations introduced by the national charity, which selected a new name earlier in 2013 to the Macular Society. Peter Bennetts, who lives in South Shields, will chair the group. According to the article, Bennetts said that the MP has a thorough understanding of “social care issues.” He added that here attendance at the group’s launch is indicative of the fact that she is committed to people in the area who are living with vision loss. Later in 2013, the “government will” rollout “a new social care bill,” he said, adding that Emma is just the person to represent South Shields at the national level.
Macular degeneration is an ailment that generally impacts the elderly. However, that doesn’t mean that it is unavoidable. People can potentially avoid ever getting the eye disease by taking some precautions. Annual visits with an eye doctor is one way to safeguard eye health. Moreover, eating the right things can also help. For example, studies have shown that people who eat things like leafy green vegetables, fruits and fish containing omega-3 fatty acids can lower their AMD risks. Avoiding smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol will also help to lower AMD risks.
Reference: http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/health/mp-emma-s-backing-for-sight-loss-group-1-5657212