The Future of Macular Degeneration: Research and Treatments

Macular Degeneration New Zealand (MDNZ) is hosting a free seminar to share information on new advances in treatment and management of age-related macular degeneration (MD).

The seminar is specifically aimed at people who already have some knowledge of MD. This may be because they live with the condition, have a family member or friend with MD or work with older people who may have MD.

MD is a global challenge and the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Worldwide it is estimated approximately 30 million people live with AMD. With increasing numbers of people at risk and predictions that as the developing world ages, the prevalence of MD will dramatically increase in industrialised counties, there is considerable on-going research both in New Zealand and worldwide. There are many on-going clinical trials. MD research is diverse and involves many areas including prevention, treatment, nutrition, and ways to better utilise the vision a person has.

“As a disease affecting so many, there is always keen interest about advances in prevention and treatment from both the macular degeneration community and the eye health community”, says Dr Archie McGeorge, ophthalmologist. “For those that can access it, we live in an information rich age, but filtering what is meaningful and relevant can be challenging. This seminar aims to provide easily understood, up-to-date information to those with an interest in MD”.