Family Medical History Holds the Key to Preventing Glaucoma

Family Medical History Holds the Key to Preventing Glaucoma

Research uncovers low knowledge of family’s eye health history

Specsavers is encouraging New Zealanders to proactively discuss family eye health, as the company announces research* showing less than half surveyed know anything about their families eye health history.

As July marks Glaucoma Awareness Month, a condition that has a strong hereditary link and is the world’s leading cause for irreversible blindness, it is even more important for Kiwis to talk about their eye health history with relatives.

Specsavers New Lynn optometrist, Philip Walsh, says, “Glaucoma is the silent thief of sight and is one of the most common conditions known to have a hereditary link, which is why it’s important to know your family eye health history and ensure you have regular eye exams to detect any abnormalities early on.”

“With almost half the population unaware if they are at risk of developing glaucoma, this paints a worrying picture, especially as people with a first-degree relative who have glaucoma are at a two-three times increased risk of also developing the disease^,” he adds.

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that develops over time and can result in irreparable damage to the optical nerve if left undiagnosed. It is important to have regular eye tests if you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or myopia. Anyone over the age of 60 is at the highest risk of developing glaucoma.

Digital Retinal Photography (DRP) is a powerful tool that helps Specsavers optometrists detect glaucomatous changes to the optic nerve early on. DRP is offered free of charge at all Specsavers stores as part of every standard eye exam and can screen for abnormalities, which helps with early detection of many eye diseases including glaucoma.

“Glaucoma Awareness Month is underway so use this opportunity to talk to your family and book an eye exam,” Philip Walsh concludes.

*Independent survey commissioned by Specsavers which captured responses of 1,549 New Zealanders.

^ According to Glaucoma New Zealand

ENDS

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