Age-related macular degeneration accounts for 60% of blindness in Australians over 50.
Age-related macular degeneration: Updates for general practitioners.
Carl Eiselen … Elaine W Chong
Australian journal of general practice · 2026
Background
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in Australians over 50 years, accounting for 60% of all blindness.
Purpose
To raise awareness of AMD in general practice and provide some advice on what general practitioners (general practitioners) can do to assist in early detection and prevention with an ageing population.
60%
Results
60%
share of all blindness in Australians over 50 caused by this eye disease
More results
Age and family history are the strongest risk factors, while smoking, poor diet and cardiovascular disease are key modifiable contributors.
More results
General practitioners can examine the macula in at-risk adults, as well as encourage smoking cessation, a Mediterranean-style diet, regular exercise, and Age- Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) supplementation for intermediate disease.
Sudden distortion or vision loss requires urgent ophthalmology referral for possible neovascular AMD.
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Conclusion
Emerging gene, sustained-delivery and laser therapies might soon reduce treatment burden and improve adherence.