More S'poreans suffering from Age-related Macular
Degeneration
By Jessica Yeo, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 October 2007 0218
hrs
SINGAPORE : More Singaporeans are suffering from Age-related
Macular Degeneration, which affects the vision, and many don't even
know about it.
80-year-old Madam Goh Chiow Heng experiences blurred vision, blank
spots and distorted images.
These are symptoms of Age-related Macular Degeneration, a chronic
disease which affects the tissue near the eye responsible for
central vision.
This can result in the loss of sight in that area, but the side
vision usually remains intact.
"I can't see clearly; I can walk on my own but I have to be
careful," said Madam Goh.
This disease usually affects people aged 55 and older and comes in
two forms - the "dry" and a more severe "wet" type.
It tends to affect women more than men, and smokers are three to
four times more likely to get the disease.
Age-elated Macular Degeneration is one of the major causes of
visual loss in Singapore, but very few are aware of it.
A study by doctors at Alexandra Hospital shows only 7.3% of some
520 households surveyed know about of this disease.
In fact, they found that there were 154 unknown cases for every
known case.
Like most patients, Madam Goh came to know of her condition late
and by chance.
"She came for the screening in our department and was found to have
wet Age-related Macular Degeneration. We have treated her since,"
said Dr Ajeet Wagle, Registrar, Department of Ophthalmology and
Visual Sciences, Alexandra Hospital.
The disease can result in blindness and may also lead to
depression.
Doctors are advising the public to test their eyesight and go for
regular eye screenings. - CNA /ls
look what thay have found out. they should pay more attention to
medical cost instead.
