Glaucoma – It’s time to have an eye test

When was the last time you had your eye sight tested?

Perhaps it was just last week, a few months ago, or maybe, (like many others) it was so long ago that you can barely remember! Well, you can take this as your friendly reminder to get on the phone and book in your next eye appointment at your earliest convenience. After all, the eyes are the windows to our world and to our internal health – a very precious tool indeed and worthy of your care and attention.

The national guidelines recommend that the average person books an appointment with an optician once every two years. This is to ensure that any potential conditions are spotted at the earliest opportunity, thus increasing the treatment options available to you. However, there are some groups who are deemed at higher risk of developing serious eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts and are therefore recommended to book in for more regular check up’s.

Who is at risk?

In short, everybody is at risk of developing glaucoma. It is estimated that there are approximately 60 million cases of glaucoma worldwide. It is a disease that can affect people at all ages including children, teens, adults and the elderly.

You may be particularly at risk if you meet the following criteria:

• You are over 40
• You have a family history of glaucoma
• You are short sighted
• You have diabetes
• You are of African-Caribbean origin

Why it is important to get checked

In it’s simplest terms, glaucoma is used to describe a group of eye conditions where your optic nerve is damaged and your vision becomes worse. You may not notice this for yourself (as you might expect), as many forms of glaucoma develop with virtually no warning signs. If left untreated Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision and in some cases, blindness.

What are the signs?

With open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Usually, no pain is associated with the increased eye pressure. Vision loss often begins with peripheral or side vision. It may be that you find yourself compensating for this unconsciously by turning your head to the side, however you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost.

Book your Glaucoma Screening appointment today!

Here at Infinity Eye Clinic, we offer an extensive range of screening and treatment services to ensure your eyes are shining healthy and bright. We’re lucky to have a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon in-house who specialises in glaucoma and cataracts offering a highly professional service. And with our 100% satisfaction guarantee for your first consultation, you’ll be in safe hands.