This week is Glaucoma Awareness Week. As new data shows a third of referrals for eye tests are now for those aged between 40 and 60 years old, Specsavers in Cupar is urging all to have regular checks to help protect them from glaucoma.

While glaucoma typically becomes more common with age, Specsavers in Cupar and Glaucoma UK are using this Glaucoma Awareness Week (26 June – 2 July) to remind people of all ages to have regular eye tests to help protect them from the disease – one of the leading causes of blindness in the world.

Robert Adie director at Specsavers in Cupar explains: “Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It’s usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye.”

The latest info from Specsavers reveals there have been 30,000 referrals for glaucoma in people aged 40–60 years in the last year. Robert adds: “Our data shows that glaucoma can affect people of all ages. Although most will not experience any symptoms, glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it’s not detected and treated early. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, but with early detection, careful monitoring and regular treatment, most people retain useful sight for life.”

Every two years …

Alarmingly, a fifth of the population (21%) still don’t know how often they should visit their optician for a routine check-up – and the same percentage either can’t remember their last eye examination, or have never had one.  A recent survey shows almost one in four (23%) had an eye test in the last two years, despite eye tests being recommended at least every two years. Robert says: “Having an eye test at least every two years, regardless of your age or whether you’re experiencing vision issues or symptoms – is so important.”

Long NHS waiting lists, exacerbated by the pandemic, remain a problem as NHS eye care services are facing a growing demand for care. Latest figures show there are 628,502 people waiting for NHS ophthalmology appointments.

Professor Roshini Sanders, consultant ophthalmologist at Queen Margaret Hospital in Fife, led a team which developed a pathway for people with low-risk glaucoma to undergo treatment in the community with their local optometrist.  She says: “The biggest challenge when it comes to glaucoma is not seeing people in time. Patients must be seen quickly, either in hospitals or in community clinics, as this is the single most important step in preventing blindness. Too many people around the UK are losing their sight whilst sat on NHS waiting lists.”

She adds: “If glaucoma is detected during an eye test, high street optometrists can share data with the glaucoma team at Queen Margaret’s. This ensure patients who need to be seen in hospital are referred quickly. Treating low risk cases at local optometrists helps to ease hospital capacity and ensure glaucoma patients are seen sooner.”

Be seen to be sure …

Joanne Creighton, Chief Executive of Glaucoma UK adds: “As a charity that provides help and support to everyone living with glaucoma, Glaucoma Awareness Week is an opportunity to highlight the fact that an estimated 350,000 people in the UK are unaware they have glaucoma. Glaucoma can be symptomless, and people could lose sight to the disease before they’re able to spot the signs. An optometrist can identify glaucoma at a routine eye appointment at your local opticians, which is why we urge everyone to book an eye test and save their sight.”

Need more?

Call in to see them at 32 Crossgate. Call them on 01334 808424, find them on Facebook or visit their website by clicking on the image below …

 

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