Aussies in their 50s are putting themselves at risk of going blind with only one in 10 able to identify the major risk factors for age-related macular degeneration.
One in seven Australians over 50 has the early signs of aged-related macular degeneration (AMD) - Australia's leading cause of blindness - but may not know it until it's too late, a survey for Macular Disease Foundation Australia has found.
MDFA chief executive Dee Hopkins said the survey showed that more than 80 per cent of people in their 50s know they should have an eye exam every two years.
"But even though they know this, almost 40 per cent gamble with their sight by skipping out on these exams," Ms Hopkins said.
Ms Hopkins was speaking at the launch of MDFA's Check My Macula an online initiative to help over-50s identify their risk factors for macular disease.
"Check My Macula is an online quiz that aims to remind Australians to add an eye exam, including a check of the macula, to the 'shopping list' of other health tests we're told to tick off when we turn 50," Ms Hopkins said.
"Check My Macula makes personalised risk information about Australia's leading causes of vision loss quick and easy to access.
"One minute. Five questions and you're done. You can learn about your risk of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease whether you're on a phone or computer, sitting on the bus or waiting in a queue."
Ms Hopkins said the initiative was developed because Australians consistently rate their eyesight as their most precious sense, yet don't prioritise essential eye checks.
"People in their 50s are part of the 'sandwich' generation. They're often juggling the needs of kids and elderly parents. It's also the age when a lot of other health tests are required. Unfortunately, eye exams often get pushed to last on the list when people are time poor," Ms Hopkins said.
"Fifty-year-olds don't feel old, and while they're aware of age-related macular degeneration, they associate the disease with the elderly. They don't realise that turning 50 is a key risk factor.
"Check My Macula gives these people the information they need quickly. In less than one minute, they can find out their risk factors. They can then go on to find a nearby optometrist and book an appointment straight away."
A YouGov Galaxy Poll, conducted for MDFA, found that while there was a high awareness of AMD among people in their 50s, only 10 per cent could correctly identify the main risk factors: age, family history, smoking and lack of regular eye exams.
The survey of 50 to 59-year-olds found just over two thirds (67 per cent) were aware age was a risk factor for AMD. However:
Less than half (45 per cent) were aware of the strong hereditary risk of AMD. In fact, 12 per cent thought there was no familial risk.
More than a third of people in this 'at risk' age group either haven't had an eye exam in the past two years or couldn't recall when they last had one.
Only seven per cent of Australians correctly identified smoking as a risk factor for AMD. Smokers are three to four times more at risk of developing AMD than non-smokers, and the onset of the disease occurs five to 10 years earlier.
MDFA ambassador Jean Kittson and actor Shane Jacobson are behind the Check My Macula website launch.
Long-time MDFA Ambassador Kittson has a direct family history of macular disease. Kittson's mother Elaine, now in her 90s, has lived with AMD for more than 30 years, which means Jean has a 50 per cent of developing the condition.
"Now I'm in my 60s, there's a lot to check: my hearing, my skin, my eyesight, the list keeps growing," she said. "However, because of my family history, I do make sure that I get an eye test and macula check every year."
- National Helpline: 1800 111 709, www.mdfoundation.com.au