Mike Smith first realised he had a problem with his eyesight six years ago when looking at straight lines. 

"Telegraph poles and window frames, they were never straight," he said. 

"It was not like a black spot developing in my eye, [but] like living an optical illusion.” 

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"When driving I could see everything but if I looked out across the road there was always a kink in the distance." 

Like many people, Mr Smith - who lives in Dipton - simply tolerated the kink in his vision, but it just got progressively worse. 

It was not until he went to the doctor six years ago to be treated for his cataracts that he was told he had macular degeneration. 

The condition affects one in seven Kiwis over the age of 50. 

This number rises to one in four people over the age of 80. 

It is the most common cause of blindness and is more prevalent than dementia, some forms of cancer and heart disease. 

According to Macular Degeneration New Zealand, the condition occurs when the central part of the retina at the back of the eye deteriorates. The retina processes all vison, it allows you to read, recognise faces, drive and do just about most things.  

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There are two main types of the condition: wet and dry macular degeneration.  

Dry macular degeneration results in a “gradual loss of central vision.” 

Wet macular degeneration is characterised by a “sudden loss of vision caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina.”  

Immediate medical treatment of wet macular degeneration is essential, according to Macular Degeneration NZ. 

However, the good news is that if caught in time, some forms of the condition are treatable and if New Zealanders take simple steps, they can protect their vision. 

So for MD Awareness Week, which runs this week from November 2-9, Mr Smith has decided to share his story of diagnosis through to almost perfect recovery, in the hope that he helps other Kiwis go and get their eyes checked in time.  

Now 78, Mr Smith said he lives a normal life and can do just about everything. 

He travels to Southland Hospital every six weeks to receive a simple and painless injection of a drug called Avastin into his eye to treat the condition.  

It is “a little uncomfortable,” he said, after the anaesthetic has worn off, but well worth it. 

His treatment for wet macular degeneration is fully funded by the government.  

Mr Smith said even though the condition and treatment may sound scary, he encouraged people to not listen to the “horror stories,” and just go get your eyes checked, as the earlier macular degeneration is detected, the better. 

Mr Smith also said although the condition is considered genetic, he is not aware of any family history of the condition.

Visit Macular Degeneration New Zealand website for more information.