Glaucoma in the Global Spotlight
This news item was added on 3rd March 2008
March 6th, 2008 is the first ever World Glaucoma Day (WGD), a joint global initiative of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA), to put the spotlight on glaucoma, the sneak thief of sight.
Glaucoma is a particularly harmful eye condition that affects the optic nerve and initially reduces peripheral or “side vision”. In the early stages most patients do not actually know they have the disease. By the time the patients know they have the disease they have already sustained significant and permanent damage to their optic nerve.
Glaucoma affects up to half a million people and is the second largest cause of registered blindness in the UK . Unfortunately it is estimated that 50% of affected people in the UK do not know that they have the disease and therefore do not have the opportunity for treatment (if needed).
Regular sight tests are crucial as optometrists can detect early signs of the disease before significant damage has occurred.
Sight loss from glaucoma is preventable. Thus early detection maximizes the chances of successful treatment and preservation of sight.
To find out about glaucoma screening or treatment at a BMI Hospital in your area, visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/ourhospitals.cfm and type in your postcode.
You can also contact the the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) Sightline on 01233 64 81 70 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am until 5.00pm), or the RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999.
For further information, or to interview an IGA spokesperson, please contact Sarah Zerbib by phone on 01233 64 81 69 (9.30am until 5.00pm) or by e-mail at <=a href=mailto:s.zerbib@iga.org.uk>s.zerbib@iga.org.uk (Out of office hours Mobile: 07856 68 79 31) .
World Glaucoma Day website: www.wgday.net
IGA website: www.glaucoma-association.com
RNIB website: www.rnib.org.uk
1 A national research strategy for ophthalmology. Royal College of Opthalmologists London: RCOphth, 2002.
2 Leading causes of certification for blindness and partial sight in England & Wales .Wormald R, Bunce C. BMC Public Health. 2006; 6: 58.