IGA launches eye drop campaign

An awareness drive has been launched by the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) to coincide with National Eye Health Week.

‘It’s Black or White, Save your Sight. Use your Eye Drops’ campaign, for this year’s National Eye Health Week (19-25 September), warned that correct and regular instillation of eye drops is essential to control glaucoma.

IGA chair and consultant ophthalmologist, Keith Barton, said: ‘Most people diagnosed with glaucoma will be able to manage their own treatment by taking eye drops. Used regularly they help to keep the eye pressure to an appropriate level, reducing the risk of visual loss.’

A study found 57% of glaucoma patients have difficulties administering eye drops, such as forgetting when doses were due, difficulty with the dropper bottle, getting drops in the eye and not having medication to hand.