Many people in the UK are affected by this visual impairment. As you get older, the circulation in your eyes can become poor and lead to a build up of waste products in the macular region of the retina. The result of this build up is that your eyes will not work as well as they once did.

The retina is at the back of the eye, and the macular is responsible for your fine detail in the central part of your vision.

The macula is the part of the eye that sees detail, so fine vision will be affected. However, the rest of your vision will be unaffected.

For most people with this condition, the answer is unfortunately no. However, some people have the same symptoms of macular degeneration, but for a different reason. They have leaking or swelling blood vessels at the macula. Different forms of laser treatment may help them.

Your GP or optometrist can refer you to the Low Vision Clinic at the hospital, which offers a choice of specialist magnifiers and other aids which can help you to use your vision to the full.

More advice, low vision aids, social groups, and counselling are available through the local vision support centre located at:

The Stables (off Regent Street)
2 Grosvenor Road
Wrexham
LL11 1BU

Telephone: 01978 353200

Email: Wrexham@visionsupport.org.uk

These are available free from the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Please call free on 0800 124 007