Age-related macular degeneration is the result of changes to the macula, the most sensitive part of the retina. The macula is used to see the fine detail when reading, writing, watching television and recognising faces. With age-related macular degeneration, central vision is distorted or affected, with peripheral (side) vision usually remaining unaffected (Better Health Channel 2007).
The most common forms of age-related macular degeneration are dry and wet age-related macular degeneration. Dry age-related macular degeneration results in a gradual loss of central vision and wet age-related macular degeneration leads to sudden and significant changes in vision (Vision Australia 2007).
Symptoms and characteristics
Common symptoms associated with age-related macular degeneration include (Vision Australia 2007):
- a gradual decline in the ability to see objects clearly
- distorted vision
- dark or empty spaces blocking the central field of vision
- dimming of colour vision.
Statistics
Age-related macular degeneration most frequently affects people over the age of 50. One in seven people over the age of 50 are affected by the disease, which increases to one in three for people over the age of 75 (Macular Degeneration Foundation 2007).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2007, Vision loss—some causes explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 2 March 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Vision_loss_some_causes_explained?OpenDocument>.
Centre for Vision Research 2007, Department of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Sydney, viewed 2 March 2007, <http://www.cvr.org.au>.
Macular Degeneration Foundation 2007, Is anything more precious than our sight?, Macular Degeneration Foundation, viewed 2 March 2007, <http://www.mdfoundation.com.au>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 2 March 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.
Vision Australia 2007, Blindness and low vision services, Vision Australia, Sydney, viewed 2 March 2007, <http://www.visionaustralia.org.au>.