IGA urges eye tests for public

In the build up to National Glaucoma Awareness Week (June 8-14), the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) is conducting a media campaign urging the public not to put off eye tests because of the recession.

The campaign warns that glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages and that many sufferers lose up to 40 per cent of their field of vision before they notice any problems.

Estimating that the total cost of sight loss in the UK is £4.8bn a year, the campaign encourages everyone over the age of 40 to go for a sight test at least once every two years that includes ophthalmoscopy, tonometry and perimetry and asks if we can really afford not to go for an eye examination. Those over 60 and people at higher risk should have an eye exam every year.