A Whitehaven support group for people living with the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK will be highlighting its impact during a national awareness week.
Macular Week runs from Monday June 20 to Sunday June 26 and aims to raise awareness of the impact of macular disease, a condition which affects nearly 1.5 million people in the UK.
The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, often leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces.
The Whitehaven support group is one of 400 across the UK organised by national sight loss charity the Macular Society.
Carl Harrison, regional manager for North West England, said: “Macular disease is cruel and isolating. It steals your sight, your confidence, your independence, and your ability to do the things you love. Day to day we hear from people about the devastating impact it has on their lives – taking away their dreams and plans for the future.
“And yet, despite its devastating impact, too little is known about its causes and for the majority of people affected there is not even a treatment, let alone a cure.”
Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. It can affect people of any age, including children.
The most common type of macular disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), mainly affecting people over the age of 55. Due to the UK’s ageing population, the number of older people living with the condition is set to double by 2050.
Carl added: “Today, more and more people are being diagnosed with macular disease.
“It is already a major public health crisis – with far more people living with macular disease than dementia. We must stop it in its tracks. That is why this year’s Macular Week we are highlighting why funding more research is the only way we are going to beat macular disease for good.”
The Whitehaven group regularly invites guest speakers on a variety of subjects, including macular conditions and the impact on daily lives. The meetings are also social occasions where people can chat over a cup of tea.
For more information about the Macular Society Whitehaven group, to become a member, or to arrange to attend a support group meeting contact Carl on 07920054509.
The Whitehaven group meets via telephone and in-person on an alternating basis but always on the last Friday of the month, from 1pm.
The in-person meeting location is – the Emmanuel Church, 33 Dalzell Street, Moor Row, CA24 3JP.
For more information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org
