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Ninety-five-year-old Orewa resident Nona Pitcher has enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing and fine-detailed embroidery throughout her life.
All these activities require good eyesight and the part of the eye responsible for sharp, detailed vision is part of the retina, called the macula. So it came as a shock when Nona was diagnosed with macular degeneration about 20 years ago.
Previously she had been diagnosed with glaucoma, which was being successfully managed with eye drops and regular visits to an opthalmologist.
Nona’s loss of vision has increased over time, although regular visits to an eye clinic for monitoring and injections in the eye, when required, have allowed her to continue to pursue some of her interests and hobbies.
As her vision deteriorated, large print books and aids such as talking clocks from the Blind Foundation were helpful.
Still a big fan of the library, Nona is regularly taken by her family to get her weekly supply of audio books and still gets great pleasure from her love of words – now spoken rather than read.
Macular degeneration affects the central vision with an impact on the ability to drive, read, watch television or computer screens, undertake hobbies or recognise faces.
The chances of being affected increase with age – one in seven New Zealanders over 50 years old has some evidence of the disease.
Many people dismiss the early warning signs, accepting vision loss as a normal part of ageing, but health professionals say that early detection and prompt treatment is important.
On Saturday June 29, the charitable trust Macular Degeneration NZ will host a free public seminar in Orewa where ophthalmologist Dr David Squirrell will share the latest information on treatments and the management of this chronic disease.
The free seminar, at Orewa Baptist Church, 2 Loop Road, Orewa, 10am-11.30am, is open to all, but pre-registration is required. To register email info@mdnz.org.nz or phone 0800 622 852.
