World Glaucoma Week Promotes Importance of Regular Eye Examinations

With this week being World Glaucoma Week, (9-15 March) the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) is encouraging the public to recognise the importance of regular eye examinations.
Glaucoma is often referred to as ‘the silent thief of sight’ because this group of diseases can cause irreparable harm to the eye before an individual notices any changes to their vision.
More than 50% of individuals with glaucoma in the developed world are unaware they have the disease, and it is predicted that almost 80 million globally will have glaucoma by 2020, which will leave 11.2 million blind in both eyes1.
Ophthalmologist Dr Diana Semmonds explains the disease. “Glaucoma is an irreversible condition which affects the optic nerve. It can be difficult to diagnose, but if treated early enough, you really shouldn’t go blind unless you’re terribly unlucky. If you have a family history of the disease it is particularly important to see an ophthalmologist every one to two years.”
The video below featuring Dr Semmonds explains the importance of regular eye tests, and the treatments available by an ophthalmologist.