The Sydney Myopia Study: Prevalence And Risk Factors For Myopia And Other Eye Conditions In School-age Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,375.00
Summary
This study aims to establish the exact extent of increasing levels of myopia in young Australians and the frequency of other treatable eye conditions such as reduced vision in one eye (amblyopia) and squint. We also aim to exam in detail, risk factors associated with myopia, such as parental myopia, living conditions and educational pressures, particularly those associated with reading and other forms of near-work. Increased understanding of factors leading to increasing myopia prevalence may en ....This study aims to establish the exact extent of increasing levels of myopia in young Australians and the frequency of other treatable eye conditions such as reduced vision in one eye (amblyopia) and squint. We also aim to exam in detail, risk factors associated with myopia, such as parental myopia, living conditions and educational pressures, particularly those associated with reading and other forms of near-work. Increased understanding of factors leading to increasing myopia prevalence may enable design of preventive strategies that could limit future increases in the ocurrence of myopia in Australia. The prevalence of myopia is increasing world-wide. In many Asian countries, it has reached epidemic proportions (80-90%) in young, educated people. In many other countries close to half the younger population is now short-sighted. Data from the Blue Mountains Eye Study and Melbourne Visual Impairment Project in older persons have suggested that the prevalence of myopia is increasing in Australia. Comparison with our recent pilot study on school children indicates that myopia prevalence has increased 2 to 3-fold in recent decades. Myopia or short-sightedness is now one of the five major causes of blindness. In countries where the prevalence of myopia is high, it is one of the top three. Myopia requires expensive optical and-or surgical correction of the refractive error for visual functioning. Unfortunately correction does not prevent the development of visual impairment and blindness from complications of myopia. Late in life, even low myopia is associated with an increased risk of both glaucoma and cataract. Myopia therefore imposes additional major health costs because of the burden of eye disease and the support costs for people affected by myopia-associated low vision or blindness. With increasing prevalence, the health care costs of myopia are likely to continue to rise in Australia.Read moreRead less
A Population-based Study Of Progression And Risk Factors For Age-related Maculopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$776,022.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease, commencing with the less severe age-related maculopathy (ARM), that ultimately can lead to the loss of fine central vision and personal independence. People with advanced AMD generally retain some mobility if their peripheral vision is maintained, but they are unable to perform tasks such as reading, hobbies or recognising people's faces. Unfortunately, the available treatment for AMD, macular laser photocoagulation, benefits only ....Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease, commencing with the less severe age-related maculopathy (ARM), that ultimately can lead to the loss of fine central vision and personal independence. People with advanced AMD generally retain some mobility if their peripheral vision is maintained, but they are unable to perform tasks such as reading, hobbies or recognising people's faces. Unfortunately, the available treatment for AMD, macular laser photocoagulation, benefits only a minority of people with this disease. Until safe and effective treatments for AMD can be developed, identification of major risk factors for the development and progression of AMD is essential to determine if interventions aimed at primary prevention can be initiated. This project will expand on the initial findings of the Visual Impairment Project (VIP), a population-based study of age-related eye disease in a cohort of more than 5000 Victorians aged 40 years and older. Data from the VIP have shown that AMD is the most important ophthalmologic public health problem, particularly since AMD is the major cause of vision impairment in Australia and has the least available treatment options. This study will follow individuals who were identified in the VIP with ARM-AMD to determine the natural history and risk factors associated with the longer term progression of AMD. Particular emphasis will be on determining the role of cardiovascular disease risk factors in AMD progression.Read moreRead less
Blue Mountains Cohort Study: Incidence Of Eye Disease, Hearing Loss And Other Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$813,250.00
Summary
The proposed study aims to determine the cumulative 10-year incidence and progression of the major eye diseases that threaten vision in older Australians, including age-related maculopathy, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The cumulative 5-year incidence of age-related hearing loss and prevalence of loss of smell will also be determined. The study will assess risk factors and associations with these diseases, using information collected at the baseline, 5-year and 10-year examination ....The proposed study aims to determine the cumulative 10-year incidence and progression of the major eye diseases that threaten vision in older Australians, including age-related maculopathy, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The cumulative 5-year incidence of age-related hearing loss and prevalence of loss of smell will also be determined. The study will assess risk factors and associations with these diseases, using information collected at the baseline, 5-year and 10-year examinations on medical history, ocular factors, vascular disease, smoking, diet, plus environmental and blood factors. The study aims to assess the impact of these sensory impairments on measures of dependence, quality of life, general health, age-related cognitive impairment, depression and on mortality. The study will be conducted in Katoomba on the cohort of residents from two postcode areas who originally attended the Blue Mountains Eye Study during the period 1992-4. Examinations will commence by May, 2002 and be completed by April, 2004. We hope to examine 2,032 of the original cohort of 3,654 people. This project will build on the data already collected by the Blue Mountains Eye Study, one of the most successful community surveys conducted in Australia. The 10-year follow-up period will provide increased statistical power and precision to assess the role of possible risk factors for eye disease already identified by the earlier baseline and 5-year studies of this population. The hearing component of the study will provide the first longitudinal data on hearing loss from a large older Australian population.Read moreRead less