Radcliffe on Trent optician supports National Glaucoma Awareness Week

Radcliffe on Trent Opticians Lesley Cree supports national glaucoma awareness week. Glaucoma is an eye disorder and nationwide, opticians are urging people to have a regular eye health test, particularly if they are at increased risk of developing the disease.

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.

Radcliffe on Trent Optician, Lesley Cree said, “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.”

She continued, “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 very early and treatment, which most commonly includes taking eye drops, means people can maintain sight for life.”

National Glaucoma awareness week is promoted by International Glaucoma Association, a charity for people with glaucoma which seeks to raise awareness, promote research related to early diagnosis and treatment, and to provide provide support to patients and all those who care for them. More information can be obtained from www.glaucoma-association.org.uk.