At least one in three people who are in the most at-risk age category for developing the serious eye disease, AMD, have never even heard of the condition, new research has shown.

AMD (age-related macular degeneration) affects central vision, making it blurry. Central vision is necessary for everyday activities such as reading, driving and watching television.

The condition is the main cause of sight loss in people over the age of 50 in the Western World and it is currently the most common cause of registered blindness in Ireland, affecting one in 10 people over the age of 50.

This latest research was released to mark AMD Awareness Week 2011, which runs until September 25.

According to the findings, the most commonly held fear among people over the age of 50 in Ireland is the loss of sight. When asked what they would miss the most if they did lose their sight, four in 10 said they would miss their independence, one in four said they would miss reading, while almost one in five said they would miss driving.

Yet, 34% of those in the most at risk age category had never even heard of the disease.

However, the research did note that six in 10 people over the age of 50 get their eyes tested every two years - the recommended frequency for people of this age - while one in three have their eyes tested once a year.

According to Lynda McGivney-Nolan, an optometric advisor with the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI), the most obvious symptoms of AMD are ‘sudden onset of distortion and blurring in the centre of a person's vision'.

"Early detection of these symptoms ensures that the condition can be treated effectively," she noted.

The test to detect the early signs of AMD is quick and non-invasive. It normally takes place as part of a normal eye examination and the test provides an immediate result. It can be carried out by opticians/optometrists or eye doctors.

Speaking about the disease, Dr Marie Hickey-Dwyer of the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO), pointed out that changes to a person's lifestyle, such as eating healthily and quitting smoking, can help prevent the progression of AMD.

"But age is still the main contributing factor and overall, early detection is key. Treatment options available for AMD have dramatically improved over the past few years, so that in many cases, its progression can be halted and sight even improved in some," she commented.

AMD Awareness Week aims to increase public awareness of the condition and highlight the importance of early diagnosis. The event is supported by the AOI, the ICO, Fighting Blindness and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland.

For more information on AMD Awareness Week and the condition, click here