Thousands needlessly going blind

Thousands of people in Wales are needlessly losing their sight each year through glaucoma according to a new report – Tunnel Vision - published by RNIB.

Glaucoma can lead to blindness if not treated.  It is the most common cause of preventable blindness in Wales. The report reveals that more than 25,000 people in Wales have glaucoma and that more than 10,000 have lost their sight through the condition3 despite treatment being available.

Joyce Chatterton, Director of RNIB Cymru, said: “It is deeply concerning that so many people are needlessly losing their sight through what is essentially a treatable condition. That’s why regular eye tests are so vital. An eye test can save your sight”.

“People need to be aware that glaucoma does not necessarily have any symptoms and that once you do have the symptoms it’s too late. Up to 40 per cent of useful sight can be lost before a person realises anything is wrong - but if caught early enough glaucoma can, in nearly all cases, be successfully treated and no sight need be lost.”

The report, Tunnel Vision, shows a shocking lack of awareness of glaucoma with one in five people having never heard of the condition. Only two per cent of people aware of glaucoma knew it could lead to “tunnel vision” and just three per cent knew it could have no symptoms. Also less than one in five people knew that people with glaucoma or those specifically at risk were eligible for free eye health checks under the Welsh Assembly Government’s Eye Care Initiative4.

Joyce Chatterton continued: “The simple message to everyone is - have regular eye tests. An eye test can save your sight. This is even more important to people over 40 and those with a close relative with glaucoma as they are at higher risk. People of African origin are four times more likely to develop glaucoma.

“RNIB Cymru welcomes the Welsh Assembly Government’s Eye Care Initiative and is calling on the Government to fund a major public education campaign to promote the importance of eye tests as vital health checks which ensure the early detection of eye disease and the prevention of blindness.”

Hazel Baker, 56, is a pharmacist from Heath in Cardiff who has a family history of glaucoma.  She commented: “My optician knew about my family history and was always very thorough.  He spotted changes in my eyes during a regular eye check and referred me straight to a specialist.  I had to use eye drops for four years, which kept any glaucoma I might have had under control.  They’re still not sure if I’ve got glaucoma, but it’s reassuring to know that they’re monitoring it closely.”

She continued “An eye test isn’t just about your sight, but the health of your eyes.  It’s surprising what an optician can pick up.  I’d encourage anyone to go along for regular eye checks and keep going with medication.  It’s an investment that might save your sight.”

Broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald as well as other celebrities including writer and comedian Jenny Eclair support the campaign.  RNIB Cymru is holding a forum for health and social care professionals in the Celtic Manor on 16 June 2005 from 6.00pm.  A glaucoma road show will visit St David’s Centre, Cardiff between 17 and 19 June, where it will be holding exhibitions and providing information and advice to the public on glaucoma from RNIB Cymru and Cardiff Institute for the Blind.