MACULAR DEGENERATION AWARENESS WEEK

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:39): I rise to draw to members' attention Macular Degeneration Awareness Week, which this year will run from 26 May to 1 June. As parliamentarians, we strive to serve the best interests of the community, and part of that service is an obligation to convey important health messages to the public, so I am glad to have the opportunity to deliver a message that is going to become all the more important as our population ages.

While there is as yet no cure for macular degeneration, early detection is the key to saving sight for longer. The macula is at the middle of the retina, situated at the back of the eye. It is the retina that makes it possible for us to see faces and read expressions, distinguish colours, read, drive and dispute the umpire's call when our team deserves a free kick. Macular degeneration causes loss of central vision, leaving the peripheral vision unimpaired. One in every seven Australians over the age of 50 evidences the disease to some extent and, according to a 2011 report by Deloitte Access Economics and Macular Disease Foundation Australia, its incidence increases with age. So, what are the risk factors?

Clearly the very fact that we are all getting older is one, direct family history is another, but there are lifestyle choices involved too–a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol can increase the risk, as can smoking. We can try to avoid the onset of macular degeneration by having annual eye checks, protecting eyes from sunlight exposure (especially for the young), keeping to a healthy lifestyle and weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and, of course, not smoking.

As I mentioned, there is yet no cure for macular degeneration, but surely we can all consider the simple changes I have outlined to lessen the risk of its onset. Early diagnosis—now available even before symptoms are noted—is vital in terms of prolonging and, in some cases, saving sight and we can take heart in the fact that even if no cure presently exists, there are some treatments available. These depend on the type and extent of the disease and aim to keep the best vision possible for as long as possible.

Yesterday I talked about the motor vehicle accident lifetime support scheme and the impact of catastrophic injuries on victims, families, friends and communities. Macular disease, being in many cases gradual in onset, does not generally have the immediacy of a motor vehicle accident, but some of the results in terms of impact can be very similar. Families and carers bear the burden along with the patient. The sharing of common domestic tasks are no longer possible when one partner has impaired vision. The purchase of vision aids and appropriate technology can stress household budgets. Monthly injections are costly and can be very painful. As with a cause I have championed every year, that of juvenile diabetes, research is paramount in finding a cure for macular disease—a disease that will affect one in seven of us during our lifetime.

They say that eyes are the window to the soul, so I urge all present to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of macular disease by visiting mdfoundation.com.au, to have regular eye checks, to move towards healthier lifestyle choices and to encourage family, friends, community groups and constituents to do so also.