THIS week marks Macular Week which aims to raise awareness of macular degeneration, a disease which attacks central vision leaving people unable to read, drive or recognise faces.
It is the most common cause of sight loss in the developed world and there are 600,000 people in the UK affected.
We would like more people to be aware of this common but devastating disease, of what it means for those affected and small changes in lifestyles that can have a big impact on maintaining healthy eyes.
We urge everyone to do five things for good eye health; book an optician's appointment, wear sunglasses to protect against UV light, take a daily walk, include antioxidants in your diet (fond in kale and blueberries) and avoid smoking.
Information and support is available from support groups or from the Macular Society which has 22,000 members.
For details of the Bolton group, or more information contact the Society on 0300 3030 111 or visit macularsociety.org.
Peter Halliday
Society volunteer
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