Eye tests advised

7:00am Saturday 3rd May 2008

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PEOPLE are being encouraged to have an eye test as part of National Glaucoma Awareness Week.

About two per cent of the population over 40 have glaucoma but half are undiagnosed and in danger of irreversible sight loss.

David Wright, chief executive of the Glaucoma Association said: "Our aim is to encourage everyone over the age of 40 to have a regular routine eye test that includes all three glaucoma tests, whether or not they believe there is anything wrong with their vision."

Glaucoma is usually caused by the build-up of pressure within the eye, which gradually damages the optic nerve.

It is rare, however, for any sufferers to feel any pain or have any other obvious symptoms.

Mr Wright added: "Although the progression of glaucoma cannot yet be reversed, only stopped or slowed, treating the condition is more likely to preserve an individual's quality of life if glaucoma is detected early."

National Glaucoma Awareness Week runs from June 9 to 15.