Regular eye tests can lower the risks of irreversible blindness, says retail partner at Specsavers Mount Maunganui.

Next week is Macular Degeneration Awareness week. It's a disease which can affect one in seven people over the age of 50.

Having a regular eye exam can help prevent irreversible blindness. Photo: Supplied.

Specsavers retail partner Glenn Dunkerley says having an eye test every two years is a good way of detecting early onset of the disease.

'As we age, the macula may degenerate progressively, which can result in blind spots, blurred or distorted vision and eventual blindness.

'Regular eye exams are the best way to detect the early signs of macular degeneration. So wherever possible preventative measures should be taken to slow the disease.”

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in New Zealand, and Glenn urges Tauranga locals to take action by booking an eye exam.

Research shows more than 50 per cent of New Zealanders are unaware they should have an eye exam every two years, putting their eye health at serious risk.

Glenn says a simple eye exam can detect changes in the macula. As part of every standard eye exam at Specsavers Mt Maunganui, digital retinal photography is included.

The high resolution image is taken of the patient's retina, which can be the key in detecting macular degeneration and some other serious diseases.

Macular degeneration causes progressive macula damage resulting in loss of central vision. The macula is the central part of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

The retina processes all visual images and is responsible for the ability to read, recognise faces, drive and see colours.

As well as age, smoking is a leading contributor to macular degeneration. Glenn says research shows smokers are three times more likely to develop the disease compared with non-smokers and develop the disease a decade earlier than a non-smoker.

'Smoking is the biggest controllable risk associated with macular degeneration. Quitting smoking at any age can significantly help to reduce the likelihood of eye health complications.”

He says other important factors to consider when looking after your eyes is knowing your family's medical history, eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, regular exercise and protecting eyes from direct sunlight.

Macular Degeneration Awareness week runs from May 23 to 29.