To coincide with World Glaucoma Week, 12 – 18 March, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) are highlighting the importance of regular eye tests in helping reduce preventable sight loss.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes permanent and irreversible damage to the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. But it is one of many conditions that can be picked up by an opticians and successfully treated if detected early.
While generally symptomless during its early stages, it slowly destroys eyesight through raised pressure within the eyeball. The most common cause of the increase in pressure is when the fluid, called aqueous humour, is unable to drain away properly or too much is produced. Most people affected experience no discomfort, which means that significant and lasting damage can occur before they notice any difference. In fact, 40% of optic nerve damage can occur before it is possible to notice any loss of vision.
Eddie Dolan store director at Specsavers Donegal said: ‘Because glaucoma is a painless disease and does not cause symptoms until it is quite advanced, early detection through regular and thorough eye examinations is the key to protecting your eyes. Left undetected, glaucoma can cause blindness. However, it is readily treatable and the condition can be controlled if diagnosed early.’
‘As we age we are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma, which is also hereditary. During World Glaucoma Week we want to remind people that they should have an eye examination every two years, especially if they are aged over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma.’
Chris White, CEO of NCBI says: ‘Early detection is vital in the fight against preventable sight loss. What’s shocking is that as much as 75% of blindness is preventable*. Many people fear losing their sight over their other senses but they don’t often take the steps necessary to protect their vision. Regular eye exams are a vital health check, as your optometrist may be able to see changes in your eye before you’ve noticed a change in your vision, when steps can be taken to try to prevent or halt any damage.’
In Ireland eye examinations are free if you have been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you are at risk of glaucoma, or you have already been diagnosed with the condition. They are also free if you are aged 40 or over and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma.
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