Aussies in Their 50s Ignoring Increasing Signs of Blindness

While lockdowns across the country slowed the spread of COVID, it more than doubled the amount of time Australians spent with their eyes glued to the small screen.Illustration - Image Point Fr/Shutterstock

A survey has found that one in seven Australians in their 50s are experiencing early signs of age-related macular degeneration—the leading cause of preventable vision impairment in Australia—but may not know it until it’s too late.

More than 80 percent of the 623 people surveyed in February knew they should have an eye examination at least every two years, Macular Disease Foundation (MDFA) chief Dee Hopkins said about the Galaxy Poll they commissioned on Oct. 27.