Glaucoma screening essential by age of 45

GLAUCOMA NEW ZEALAND

For release: 24th May 2007

Glaucoma screening essential by age of 45

New Zealand’s leading preventable cause of blindness will be firmly in focus
next month, when Glaucoma New Zealand launches a campaign to encourage early
testing for the condition.

Public meetings are to be held in key centres, during and around Glaucoma
Week (16th-23rd June), explaining the need for testing and promoting the
message of ’45 and every 5’.

Meeting venues have been selected on both sides of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge
as well as in Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch (see below).

The message ’45 and every 5’ reflects Glaucoma New Zealand’s recommendation
that everyone have their eyes tested for the condition by the age of 45,
with regular five yearly tests thereafter. Earlier and more frequent
testing is recommended for those with a family history of Glaucoma or when
some other risk factor is present.

“Testing is vital because glaucoma is a silent disease, and, unless you’re
specifically screened for it, problems can go unnoticed until you’re almost
completely blind. After that, it’s too late to do much about the condition,”
says Dr Helen Danesh-Meyer, Associate Professor at the Department of
Ophthalmology, in the Medical School of the University of Auckland and a
Glaucoma New Zealand Trustee.

“As our leading cause of preventable blindness, Glaucoma can clearly impose
huge restrictions and changes in lifestyle both on those afflicted and on
their families. Even if you retain some sight, you may no longer be able to
drive, to play your favourite sport or to comply with the requirements of
your job.

“The good news is that glaucoma causes very little blindness when it’s
diagnosed early and when those affected comply with their treatment. More
often than not, the condition then becomes highly manageable. So ’45 and
every 5’ is clearly the way to go,” she says.

Dr Danesh-Meyer adds that testing is a simple procedure that can be
carried-out by your local optometrist. However, it’s vital to ensure you
are given all three standard glaucoma tests, including examination of your
optic nerve, the pressure in your eye and your side vision.

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DETAILS OF PUBLIC MEETINGS (See Release)

Auckland - North Shore
Saturday 16th June 2007
Venue: Fairway Lodge, Argus Place, Glenfield
10.00 - 11.30 am
Speaker: Dr Jo Koppens

Auckland Central
Saturday 23rd June 2007
Venue: NZICA Conference Centre, 27 Ohinerau Rd, Greenlane
10.00 - 11.30 am
Speaker: Associate Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer

Christchurch
Saturday 23rd June 2007
Venue: Christchurch Boys High School Auditorium, Straven Road
10.00 - 11.30 am
Speakers: Dr David Kent and Dr Allan Simpson

Tauranga
Saturday 23rd June 2007
Venue: Bureta Mark Motor Inn, Vale St, Otumoetai
10.00 - 11.30 am
Speaker: Dr Mike O'Rourke

Wellington
Saturday 30th June 2007
Venue: National Library of NZ, Cnr Molesworth & Aitken Sts, Wellington
10.00 - 11.30 am
Speakers: Dr Tony Wells and Dr Ken Tarr

ends

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