Northampton optometrist warns of the ‘silent thief of sight’ during World Glaucoma Week
An optometrist in Northampton says regular eye examinations are “essential” for crucial early diagnosis of the leading cause of preventable blindness as World Glaucoma Week gets underway.
Described as the ‘silent thief of sight’ because most people don’t experience any symptoms, glaucoma can be detected through regular eye exams. Starting treatment early is often vital to prevent loss of vision.
The team at Tompkins Knight & Son Optometrists in Kingsley Road, Northampton is supporting World Glaucoma Week, which runs from March 8 to 14 and aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis.
According to new figures from Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London, around 1.1 million people in the UK have glaucoma – around 50 per cent higher than current estimates. This figure is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2060.
Glaucoma is the name of a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which transfers visual information from the eye to the brain. If the optic nerve is damaged, it can result in sight loss and even blindness.
Glaucoma is the second largest cause of blindness globally and, crucially, it is irreversible. Around half of those with the condition are unaware they have it.
Clinical director Dr Keyur Patel said: “World Glaucoma Week is an important reminder of just one of the reasons why regular eye exams are so important.
“We see first-hand the difference an early diagnosis can make. There are a range of treatments available for glaucoma to help preserve sight for many years. Later diagnosis does make the condition more difficult to treat.
“In the same way that people have regular check-ups on their teeth, regular eye exams should also be a health priority.
“We offer a warm, friendly welcome so our patients feel comfortable and happy to attend their appointments, helping to ensure eye checks are a regular date in their diaries.”
The theme of this year’s World Glaucoma Week is ‘Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World’.
Dr Patel said: “Diagnosing and managing glaucoma is a team effort between patients and optometrists, and it starts with someone picking up the phone or going online to book an eye examination. Don’t delay – do it today.”