Glaucoma Week starts June 27th

Glaucoma UK urges people to get sight tests

A rise in the number of people living with glaucoma in the UK has prompted Glaucoma UK to highlight the importance of regular eye tests.

Glaucoma cases are expected to increase by a third between 2020 and 2035. The glaucoma charity will urge people to get tested during Glaucoma Awareness Week 2022 from 27 June to 3 July.

For most people, a routine eye test is where the signs of glaucoma are first spotted, but almost a third of UK adults do not have the test every two years, which is recommended.

Dr Susan Blakeney, Optometrist and Glaucoma UK Trustee, said, “Eye examinations, commonly known as eye tests, aren’t just about how well you can see, or whether you need glasses. During an eye examination your optometrist will look at the health of your eyes too. Diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and even diabetes may be detected during a routine eye examination. Glaucoma normally causes gradual sight loss which you won’t notice in the early stages. This sight loss cannot be reversed. It is therefore important for most people to get their eyes examined at least every two years, even if they are not having any problems with their sight, to detect signs of glaucoma early and reduce the chance of further sight loss.”