Vision Loss in Australia

In an article in the latest issue of the Medical Journal of Australia, Professor Hugh Taylor and colleagues at the Melbourne Centre for Eye Research Australia, the Sydney Centre for Vision Research, and Access Economics, Canberra, suggest that vision loss in Australia is a larger problem than usually recognised.

The research combined the results of two independent population-based studies on eye disease to assess the frequency and causes of vision loss in Australia.

The study showed that the prevalence of vision loss increases exponentially with age, with 39% of those aged 90 years or over having low vision, including 17% who are blind. With the ageing of the population, the number of people living with vision loss and blindness in our community will increase dramatically in the future.

Undercorrected refractive error and cataracts cause 76% of 'low' vision in Australia, and both are readily treatable problems. As low vision is associated with a significant reduction in the quality and length of life and diminished capacity for healthy and independent ageing, the authors believe both these conditions are important public health issues.

Age-related macular degeneration was responsible for almost half of all cases of blindness in the study and is not easily treated using methods currently available.

The authors say this shows there is a clear need for more research on the causes and risk factors for macular degeneration and the prevention of associated vision loss.

"There is also a clear need to ensure that all those with uncorrectable vision loss obtain maximum benefit from the excellent low vision services that exist in Australia", says Professor Taylor.

The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.

CONTACT: Professor Hugh Taylor, work: (03) 9929 8368, mobile: 0417 017 037

Judith Tokley, AMA, 0408 824 306