1 June 2010
An eye expert from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is warning local people of the dangers of glaucoma, a condition which can cause blindness. The move to raise awareness forms part of National Glaucoma Awareness Week, which runs from 7 - 13 June 2010.
Glaucoma is a disease which damages the optic nerve, and is nearly always associated with increased pressure in the eye itself. Treatment - in the form of eye drops, which help to lower the pressure in the eyes - is available.
The International Glaucoma Association estimates that 1 in 50 people aged over 40 are at risk of having glaucoma, with 50% unaware that they have the condition.
Lynn Ring is a clinical nurse specialist in ophthalmology, based at the Trust's eye unit in Sutton Hospital. She said: "Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the UK today. The problem is that, in its early stages, the condition has no symptoms.
"Anyone can develop glaucoma; however certain people are at increased risk.. This includes people over 40, those with a family history of glaucoma (e.g. a parent, grandparent, brother or sister), and those who are short-sighted. It is also known that people who are diabetic or of African-Caribbean origin are also more at risk.
"Most patients with glaucoma are not aware of problems with their vision. This is because the vision used for reading and recognising people (central vision) is only affected when glaucoma has advanced to a late stage. The reality is that it usually affects the vision needed for driving and getting about, your peripheral vision, first.
"We're encouraging all local people who are over 40, especially if they think they might be at increased risk, to get their eyes checked regularly. This is usually done at an optician - you do not need to come to hospital. We know that people are busy and that the idea of 'testing' may not sound nice - but at the end of the day, your sight is too important to take any unnecessary risks with.
"There are three tests for glaucoma, all of which are quick and painless: eye pressure, optic nerve, and visual field. People should visit their local opticians every two years and those at higher risk should have annual checkups on the health of their eyes. Your optician will always ask for further tests with a specialist if necessary."
