Glaucoma Awareness Week takes place from Monday 30th June until Sunday 6th July.
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions where there is damage to your optic nerve. This may be because your eye pressure is higher than normal, or because of a weakness in the structure of your optic nerve.
It is the is the leading cause of preventable sight loss. Over 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma but many don’t know it as symptoms don’t begin until after significant damage has already been done.
What are the risk factors?
Regular eye tests are extremely important for preventing sight loss due to glaucoma, especially if you have any of the following risk factors.
- Age: Your risk of developing glaucoma goes up as you age. Glaucoma is rare in people under 40 (though it does happen). However around 7 in 100 people over the age of 70 live with glaucoma.
- Family History: If you have a close blood relative with glaucoma you are more likely to develop it.
- Diabetes: Having diabetes can increase your risk of developing certain types of Glaucoma.
- High Eye Pressure
What can you do?
Much of the damage can be mitigated if caught early, so it is important to be aware of glaucoma before you start developing symptoms.
- Regular Eye Tests: It is recommended that most adults get an eye test at least every one to two years, especially if you have any of the risk factors listed above.
- Talk to Your Family About Medical History: Ask your family about eye health history and share what you find with your optometrist.
- Talk About Glaucoma: Talk to friends and family and family and share on social media to encourage everyone to be aware of glaucoma prevention.
Living With Glaucoma?
There is a free Glaucoma Support Group that meets on the 2nd Friday of each month from 2pm until 3:30pm at the Vision Norfolk Norwich Hub, Bradbury Activity Centre, Beckham Place, Edward Street, Norwich, NR3 3DZ. Please contact Richard for more information on 01603 573000 Ext. 322 or at [email protected].
