Beacon Centre is urging residents in the Black Country to get their eyes tested during World Glaucoma Week (11 – 18 March) and avoid sight loss problems later in life.
Glaucoma affects the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain. If undiagnosed and untreated glaucoma can lead to a deterioration of vision and even becoming blind. It impacts people of all ages but is most common in adults in their 70s and 80s.
Arwyn Jones, CEO, at the Beacon Centre said: “World Glaucoma Week is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about eye health checks and the dangers of glaucoma. We all remember to visit the dentist, but eye examinations are often over looked. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma it can be treated with a number or options which will stop your sight detreating – the sooner it is spotted the better.”
You won’t normally see the signs of glaucoma, it develops slowly over many years and affects the edges of your vision – it’s often only picked up during a routine eye test. If you do notice any symptoms, they will include blurred vision or seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights.
Arwyn added: “The Beacon Centre supports people who are blind and those living with sight loss. We know first-hand the effects of sight loss and the impact it can have on your life, so make sure you get an eye test at least every two years and don’t ignore any symptoms which affect your vision.”
See an optician or your GP if you have any concerns about your eye health. You can also visit Beacon Optician Plus at the Beacon Centre in Sedgley, on the Wolverhampton Road, which is open to the public. Visit the Beacon website for further information on looking after your eyes – www.beaconvision.org/how-to-look-after-your-eyes