Don’t be blindsided by Glaucoma – World Glaucoma Week 2019

Are your patients at risk of suffering irreversible blindness?

Glaucoma Australia has launched a new risk awareness campaign ahead of World Glaucoma Week (10 – 16 March). The new campaign is aimed at people who are at greater risk of developing glaucoma to encourage them to get their eyes tested.

As we know, glaucoma is the leading cause of avoidable blindness worldwide, affecting over 300,000 Australians, yet it is estimated that 50% of those living with glaucoma are undiagnosed.

While nine out of 10 Australians say that sight is their most valued sense , over 8 million Australians are still not having regular eye tests.

You can help change this statistic.

Who is at risk?

Although anyone may develop glaucoma, some people have a higher risk - they are people who:

• have a family history of glaucoma
• are aged over 50
• are of African or Asian descent
• have diabetes
• have myopia (nearsighted)
• have been on a prolonged course of cortisone (steroid) medication
• experience migraines
• have had an eye operation or eye injury
• who have a history or high or low blood pressure

Abridged: NHMRC Guidelines, 2010

What your pharmacy can do to help?

Glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness. Early detection and treatment can save sight.

• Encourage people at risk of developing glaucoma to get their eyes checked at least every 2 years.
• Remind all glaucoma patients to alert first-degree relatives of the benefits of regular eye checks from the age of 40.