Free tests for sight loss condition in the elderly on offer

A WATERFORD research group is offering free screening tests to detect a potentially blinding condition that could save peoples’s eyesight.

Tue, 16 Dec, 2008 - 00:00

The Macular Pigment Research Group (MPRG) at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) has joined the Institute of Vision Research in Waterford, to offer free screening for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

It is estimated that up to 30,000 Irish people have AMD but do not realise that they are sufferers.

People of all ages with a family history of age-related blindness are particularly welcome to take part, in addition to older people who have found their central vision deteriorating.

The main symptom of macular degeneration is “dim or fuzzy central vision” which can affect the ability to carry out detail visual tasks such as reading. Objects may appear distorted or smaller than they actually are, while faces will become more difficult to recognise.

Those found to have AMD will be offered a place on a free trial headed by Eithne Connolly and Dr John Nolan of the MPRG in the department of chemical and life sciences at WIT.

As part of that trial, participants will be offered a specific dietary supplement, known as Macushield, which is believed to “help prevent and even reverse the condition”.

It is hoped that over time that the trials will help prevent thousands more at risk of losing their central vision from suffering a similar fate.

Dr Nolan yesterday said: “The increasing prevalence of AMD worldwide is largely attributable to increasing life expectancy and lifestyle changes associated with western society. It is predicted that the current AMD prevalence figures will double by 2020.

“Real evidence will come from properly conducted scientific trials,” Dr Nolan continued.

“We are now looking for volunteers for our second trial — people who have the early stages of AMD and are not currently using a supplement. We plan to give them the supplement and see if we can delay or stop the progression of the condition.”

Those interested in testing are urged to phone the MPRG at (051) 845505 to Details on the work of the Macular Pigment Research Group is available on www.wit.ie/mprg.