Madam Goh Chiow Heng (L), an Age-related Macular Degeneration patientSINGAPORE (ChannelNewsAsia), October 21, 2007:
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.
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. "I can't see clearly; I can walk on my own but I have to be careful," said Madam Goh.
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.
By Jessica Yeo, Channel NewsAsia
Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd
