More than 1.7 million Australians will suffer from Macular Degeneration in the next 20 years, according to a Dekoitte Access Economics report. The figures shows a remarkable rise of 70 % in the prevalence of the leading cause of blindness in Australia.

Macular Degeneration has four times the prevalence of dementia and more than half that of diabetes. It is a serious chronic disease which can cause major vision loss, and total blindness.

According to the report commissioned by the Macular Degeneration Foundation, the number of those with late stage disease (vision loss or blindness) could double from 167,000 to 330,000 in the absence of treatment and prevention efforts by 2030.

In 2010, the total economic cost of vision loss associated with Age-related Macular Degeneration was in excess of $5 billion.

To combat this devastating chronic disease, that is taking away the sight of so many Australians, the Macular Degeneration Foundation is investing in major research to find reasons and answers so that all Australians can see a future.

The inaugural Macular Degeneration Foundation Research Grants Program has, on World Sight Day, awarded pre-eminent world leading researchers nearly $1 million to support crucial research to shed light on prevention and early detection in order to save the sight of many Australians.

The recipients of the major grants are Professor Paul Mitchell, Director Centre for Vision Research Westmead Millennium Institute at The University of Sydney, and Professor Robyn Guymer, Deputy Director Centre for Eye Research Australia at the University of Melbourne.

The Blackmores Dr Paul Beaumont Fellowship was also awarded to Dr Liubov Robman Senior Research Fellow Centre for Eye Research Australia at the University of Melbourne.

“Research provides hope,” said Professor Paul Mitchell. “The advancement of our knowledge of Macular Degeneration through research will help us develop more targeted preventative strategies. If people know they have early signs, they can make a change.”

Coinciding with the Foundation’s research announcement is the launch of a Deloitte Access Economics Report commissioned by the Macular Degeneration Foundation which provides the most current, comprehensive compilation of Macular Degeneration statistics and latest research ever undertaken in Australia.

“This report on Macular Degeneration reinforces the need for greater investment in research. Macular Degeneration affects one in seven Australians over 50 in some way, " Julie Heraghty, Macular Degeneration Foundation CEO, said.

"It is responsible for 50% of all blindness;more than glaucoma and cataracts combined."

Heraghty remarked that the Macular Degeneration landscape has changed significantly over the past decade due primarily with dramatic improvement in treatment and new insights into the role of diet and genetic factors. She attributes such advances to a strong research.

“This report complements our significant initial research commitment of just under $1 M. We know research works and sooner or later we will find a cure through research,” said Heraghty.