International Glaucoma Association - Sight Warnings

There are many risk groups within the optical world and one that has been highlighted recently is the International Glaucoma Association (IGA). During recent research, they have urged those that are in the risk group of glaucoma to seek regular eye tests. Throughout London, awareness packs have been distributed to hospitals and eye care centres, with even bus shelters joining in the campaign. June 9th-15th was National Glaucoma Awareness week, so these promotions were crucial.

Research in April 2014 showed that according to a survey, just over a thousand respondents aged 40 and over were actually booking regular eye tests. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness and so easily avoided. Sadly, with no early symptoms that would be obvious to us, it's not until it's advanced that anyone would know there was something wrong. Unfortunately, once vision is lost it can never be recovered. A worrying thought for anyone but something that can so easily be avoided with regular eye testing and glaucoma tests.

The IGA have noticed that eye patients of an African-Caribbean origin are four times more likely to develop this condition than that of people of European origin. It has been quoted that with an increase of 30% to the population to the black and minority ethnic community by 2050, the role of the optician has never been so important for these people. Early detection means early treatment means saving of sight. Its really that simple. Despite promising results with early detection, it is still estimated that over 50% of all glaucoma cases remain undetected in the UK alone.