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New research reveals public is blind to sight loss disease risk

Thousands could be ignoring age-related macular degeneration until it’s too late

 

Despite age-related macular degeneration (AMD) being the leading cause of blindness in developed countries, almost two thirds of people over 40 in the UK are not aware of it, according to a new survey of over 400 people by Bausch & Lomb1, 2.

It appears that eyesight is taken for granted: 86% of those surveyed said they are not worried about their eyesight as they age2. However, recent research found that nine out of ten people fear losing their sight more than any other sense3. Despite this, only 34% of those surveyed had an eye test in the last year, even though functional blindness can occur within as little as three months of developing the  less common 'wet' form of AMD2, 4. Many sufferers might not even be aware they have the disease, since AMD can exist for years without producing any visual defect.

AMD is a slow, progressive eye condition that can occur in two forms: wet and dry. In severe cases, the wet form of AMD can lead to blindness. People with advanced AMD often lose their central vision and are left with only peripheral vision. This process means many sufferers actually see their own gradual sight loss. As a result, AMD can have a huge impact on a person’s independence and quality of life.

Although there is no cure for the devastating effects of AMD, there are things people can do to manage the risk factors for the development and progression of this condition. Nutritional management is key: 94% of ophthalmic nurses and 80% of optometrists surveyed think it has a credible or extremely credible role to play in the prevention or treatment of AMD2.However, the public are divided over the benefits, with just over half (59%) of those surveyed saying they don’t believe or don’t know if vitamins can help them look after their eyesight2.

Charles Babumba, optometrist and owner of City Eyes Opticians in London said; “Unfortunately most people do not consider their eye health until it starts to deteriorate but a number of simple steps can be taken on a daily basis to look after eye health and to prevent the risk of developing AMD. Measures such as avoiding smoking and keeping fit can help maintain healthy eyes and general well-being and nutritional management can also play a key role in good eye health and delaying the progression of this distressing condition.”

Specially formulated dietary supplements can offer many people an easy and convenient way to look after their eyesight. Bausch & Lomb’s Ocuvite® range provides advanced antioxidant dietary supplements specially formulated for those who wish to maintain good eye health. The PreserVision® range comprises of high potency antioxidant dietary supplements. The original PreserVision® formula was developed in conjunction with the National Eye Institute in the United States for testing in the landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)5.  The AREDS study followed the progress of patients diagnosed with AMD and the results indicated that for some individuals with intermediate and advanced AMD that dietary supplements may have a role to play in the overall stasis of their condition. This study has not been reviewed by an independent regulatory body to validate the results.

People interested in learning more about AMD, the risk factors and ways to maintain good eye health including tips about nutrition and diet should visit www.nutritionforvision.co.uk.



NOTES TO EDITORS 

About the survey

A total of 442 consumers aged 40+, 101 optometrists, 50 ophthalmologists and 50 ophthalmic nurses all based in the UK participated in the survey which took place in March 2009, conducted by TNS Healthcare.

Other interesting findings

  • Concerns about weight (31%), heart problems (24%) and blood pressure (20%) come before concerns about eye health    as consumers age (14%)
  • Of those aged 40+ and aware of AMD, 70% are not concerned about developing AMD
  • Of those 40+ and aware of AMD, over a quarter (29%) are not aware of the risk factors
  • Of those aware of AMD and aged 40+, over three quarters (86%) are not aware of a family history of AMD
  • Only 14% of consumers ever purchase nutritional supplements specifically for eye health
  • Nearly half of consumers believe that eating a healthy diet will reduce their risk of developing AMD

AMD risk factors

  • Age: The risk of getting AMD increases with age. The majority of people with AMD are over 506
  • Genetics: Those who have a family history of AMD can be at greater risk7,8,9,10
  • Smoking: May increase the risk of developing AMD6,11,12,13
  • Gender: Women are more susceptible than men. This could be attributed to lower oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women14,15
  • Obesity: Changed fat metabolism makes it difficult for sufficient levels of fat soluble carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin to reach and protect the eye16,17

   

About Ocuvite® and PreserVision® 

Ocuvite Lutein®

  • Ocuvite® Lutein is an advanced antioxidant dietary supplement specially formulated to provide nutritional support for the eye. It contains 6mg of lutein, vitamins C and E, zinc and copper
  • Lutein is found in the human eye in both the macula and the lens. It is thought to play a protective role against the development of AMD18,19. However, as the human body doesn't make lutein, the amount of lutein in the eye may deplete with age and it must constantly be replaced through the foods we eat
  • Dark, leafy green vegetables like spinach or kale are especially good sources, but people would have to eat over 2 bowls of raw spinach every day to reach the levels (6-10mg) at which positive effects are achieved18
  • Ocuvite® Lutein is suitable for those who should avoid beta-carotene, such as smokers
  • Ocuvite® Lutein is priced at a RRP of £7.49 for 30 capsules and available at most Boots stores and pharmacies

Ocuvite Complete®

  • Ocuvite® Complete is an advanced supplement, formulated to provide complete nutritional support for the eye based on the most current research
  • Ocuvite® Complete contains high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C & E, and zinc
  • It is for individuals who are concerned about macular health, such as those who have a family history of age-related macular changes or those who exhibit multiple risk factors to macular health
  • Ocuvite® Complete is priced at a RRP of £14.95 for a 30 day supply and is available from leading pharmacists and optometrists

 

PreserVision®

  • PreserVision® is a high potency antioxidant dietary supplement containing beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc and copper – vitamins found to be helpful for those suffering from AMD
  • The original PreserVision® tablets contain the only formula clinically tested in the 10-year NEI AREDS trial which studied reduction of risk of progression of AMD among those most at risk5
  • In addition to the PreserVision® tablets, there are two additional products within the range:
    • PreserVision® Original Soft Gels: based on the same vitamin and mineral formula tested  in the National Eye Institute's age-related eye study (AREDS) 10-year trial in 2-per-day soft gel format
    • PreserVision® Lutein Soft Gels: based on the AREDS formula, but replaces vitamin A with 10mg of FloraGLO lutein for those who should avoid beta-carotene, such as smokers and ex-smokers
  • PreserVision® Original Soft Gels and PreserVision Lutein Soft Gels are available over-the-counter at pharmacies for a RRP of £14.95 for a 30 day supply

 

About Bausch & Lomb 
Bausch & Lomb is dedicated to bringing visionary ideas to eye health. Its core businesses include contact lenses and lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best-known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide. Its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.bausch.com.

About City Eyes Opticians
City Eyes Opticians is an independent clinic at the heart of the City of London (Moorgate) set up in 1989 by independent optometrist Charles Babumba. More information is available at www.cityeyesopticians.com.


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1World Health Organization. Fact Sheet N°282; November 2004
2TNS survey. AMD Nutritionals. March 2009
3UK Vision Strategy website, last visited 18 September 2009 http://www.vision2020uk.org.uk/UKVisionstrategy/page.asp?section=50&sectionTitle=Information+for+Journalists
4Royal National Institute for the Blind website, last visited 18 September 2009  http://www.rnib.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/yoursight/amdcampaign/Pages/amd_campaign.aspx
5Age-Related Eye Disease Study Group. A randomised, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no.8. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119(10):1417-1436. Note: The study has not been reviewed by an independent regulatory government body.
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