Raising awareness during World Glaucoma Week
Justine Elliot
posted Thursday, 11 March 2010
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, today used World Glaucoma Week (7-13 March) to encourage Australians to be aware of the importance of regular eye health checks.
There are more than 150,000 people with diagnosed glaucoma in Australia and estimates suggest a further 150,000 unaware that they are living with the condition.
Glaucoma destroys the optic nerve at the back of the eye and is known as the ‘sneak thief of sight’. Its impact is gradual and often goes undetected.
Minister Elliot said: “Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and thousands of Australians are living with the disease.
“It does not discriminate on the basis of age. But the likelihood that you will contract it increases with age with 1 in 10 Australians over the age of 80 developing glaucoma.
“The good news is that early detection through regular eye checks can significantly reduce the impact of the condition.
“Early intervention and better treatments mean that we are able to slow the progression of the diseases and prevent further vision loss.
“This week serves as a timely reminder for people to have their eyes checked regularly,” Minister Elliot said.
There are some people are at higher risk, such as those with:
- A family history of glaucoma;
- Diabetes;
- Short sightedness (myopia) or long sightedness (hyperopia);
- Eye injuries; or
- High blood pressure.
Through the National Eye Health initiative, the Australian Government has provided $13.8 million for:
- Promotion eye health and encouraging Australians to look after their eyes;
- Professional development activities, including the development of clinical practice guidelines;
- Grants to allow the trial and evaluation of different eye health care service delivery models;
- Formative, attitudinal, evaluation and health services research; and
- Support for Vision 2020 Australia.
For more information on glaucoma please visit the Glaucoma Australia website at www.glaucoma.org.au
Tags: Eyesight, Health