Campaign Urges Early Glaucoma Testing

Campaign Urges Early Glaucoma Testing

The importance of early testing for glaucoma will be stressed in a campaign to be launched during this year's Glaucoma Week (June 16th-23rd).

The message '45 and every 5' is to be promoted at a series of public meetings in major population centres, including venues on both sides of Auckland's Harbour Bridge, as well as Wellington, Christchurch and Tauranga (see details below).

The meetings will also seek to give those affected, a better understanding of what glaucoma entails, of the various treatments available and of the role Glaucoma New Zealand plays in helping people cope with the condition. A key issue at each meeting will be the role of laser surgery.

"Our message of '45 and every 5' reflects Glaucoma New Zealand's recommendation that everyone have their eyesight 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," says Christchurch-base Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma New Zealand's Chairman, Dr Ken Tarr.

"When glaucoma is detected in its early stages, we can often hold it at that point for the rest of the patient's life. But, when people come to us, in their fifties and sixties, with eyes that have lost 80% of their nerve fibres, we can't make those fibres grow again and we can't give them back their vision,"

"glaucoma Is New Zealand's Most Common Cause Of Preventable Blindness. It's Devastating When It Becomes The Single Quality Of Life Issue For People, Because They've Left It Too Late. Very Often, It's Simply A Disaster For Them. We Hope That People Will Listen To Glaucoma New Zealand's Message And Make Sure They Get Tested In Time," He Says.

Dr Helen Danesh-Meyer, Associate Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, in the Medical School of the University of Auckland, describes glaucoma as a "silent disease" that creeps up on people unawares and can 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," she says.

"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.

Checking for glaucoma is a simple procedure that can be carried-out by your local optometrist. There are three tests required for a full glaucoma examination. These include checking the optic nerve, eye pressure and visual fields.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Dr Ken Tarr
Chairman
Glaucoma New Zealand
03 355 6397
021 650 397

Dr Helen Danesh-Meyer
Associate Professor
Department of Ophthalmology
Medical School of the University of Auckland
09 522 2125
021 229 1840

Heather Hyland
Administrative Manager
Glaucoma New Zealand
09 373 8779
021 829 454

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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