UK faces increase in eye disease cases

The number of people in the UK suffering from an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is set to increase over the coming years, experts have warned.

AMD currently affects more than 600,000 people in the UK, making it the nation's leading cause of blindness.

But the College of Optometrists believes the number of cases could increase by a quarter by 2020, largely as a result of the nation's ageing population.

The college's latest study questioned more than 4,000 UK adults and found that half had never heard of AMD, which attacks the macula of the eye and reduces a person's ability to see fine detail.

This means that some people may be developing AMD unnecessarily, as giving up smoking and making dietary changes can help to prevent the disease.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the College of Optometrists, explained: "Research suggests that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables and oily fish may help prevent AMD."

The report follows the recent publication of research in the Archives of Ophthalmology, which found that women who regularly eat fish and omega-3 fatty acids may benefit from a reduced risk of AMD.