Detection central to Glaucoma Awareness Week

Practitioners were encouraged to support National Glaucoma Awareness Week 2013 and promote regular eye tests during the June 10-16 campaign.

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) stressed the importance of early detection and treatment. It said 90 per cent of individuals diagnosed early would retain useful sight for life, but estimated that more than half of glaucoma cases remained undetected.

The IGA added that regular eye tests were particularly vital for those over the age of 40, with a family history of glaucoma, with myopia, diabetes, or of African-Caribbean origin.

Eye health checks were promoted through posters, banners, and leaflets.