National Glaucoma Awareness Week 9-15 June

This is National Glaucoma Awareness Week and SITE is supporting it by reminding everyone to get an eye test on a regular basis. This year’s National Glaucoma Awareness Week 2014 is urging people to have regular eye tests, particularly if they are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma. People of African-Caribbean origin are four times more likely to develop the condition, and are more likely for it to appear earlier and for it to be more severe, when compared to people of European origin. Early detection and treatment literally saves sight, as over 90% of individuals who are diagnosed early will retain useful sight for life. Despite such promising results, it is estimated that over 50% of cases of glaucoma remain undetected in the UK. Awareness and regular eye health checks are critical. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness. There are no early symptoms and it isn’t until the condition is fairly advanced that people recognise that there is something wrong with their vision. Once vision is lost, it cannot be recovered. A simple eye health check can pick up the condition early and treatment, which most commonly includes taking eye drops, means most people will maintain sight for life. For more news about National Glaucoma Awareness Week, follow IGA on Twitter @TweetIGA or The helpline can be called on 01233 64 81 78, and the website, www.glaucoma-association.com has an interactive forum.