300,000 have undiagnosed glaucoma – are you at risk?

We’re supporting National Glaucoma Week (6-12 June) and encouraging people to book an eye exam to check for signs of the disease. An estimated 600,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, with potentially another 300,000 having undiagnosed glaucoma (source: www.glaucoma-association.com).

Beat invisible glaucoma
Over the years we’ve detected many cases glaucoma through simple tests before patients had any idea they had the early stages of the condition. Many are surprised that glaucoma doesn’t usually cause symptoms until it is quite advanced. It can be detected much earlier with three tests carried out as part of our comprehensive eye exam.

If there is history of glaucoma in your family then you’re probably aware of the importance of having regular eye tests. However it isn’t always genetic and early detection saves sight. Over 90% of those who have the symptoms detected early will retain sight for life and it is the main cause of preventable blindness. Signs of glaucoma, and other eye ailments can be detected in a regular eye test.

Key factors which increase the chance of glaucoma:

• other family members suffering from the condition
• more common in older age
• people with severe short-sightedness are known to be at increased risk
• people of African-Caribbean origin are four times more likely to develop glaucoma
• people with diabetes may also have an increased risk.

For more information about glaucoma please browse our website or make an appointment on 0131 225 2235.