The College of Optometrists is urging the African Caribbean community to be more aware of their increased risk of developing glaucoma – a debilitating eye condition, which, if left untreated can lead to permanent blindness.
Glaucoma affects approximately 480,000 in England and is a group of eye diseases where the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain, is damaged by the pressure of the fluid inside your eye. While glaucoma can develop in people of any ethnic origin, people of African Caribbean origin are up to six times more likely to develop the condition and it can develop approximately ten years earlier than in other ethnic groups.
Glaucoma
According to research by the College of Optometrists, over a third (36%) of people of African Caribbean descent living in the UK are unaware that they are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
Dr Susan Blakeney, the College of Optometrists’ Clinical Adviser, said: “Glaucoma is often without symptoms until significant vision has been lost. However, early detection increases the chances of effective treatment, which is why it is so important to go for regular check ups. It’s such a simple message and one we want more people in at-risk groups to hear. I would urge anyone concerned about developing the condition to book an appointment with their optometrist – remember if you are on certain benefits, aged over 60, or over 40 with a close relative (parent, child, brother or sister) who has glaucoma the NHS will pay for your sight test. NHS eye examinations are free to everyone in Scotland.”
Janet Corlis, CEO of the Afro-Caribbean Millennium Centre commented: “At the moment too many members of our community know little about the condition and as a result often don’t seek treatment early enough.”
One glaucoma sufferer commented: “I have a long family history of glaucoma and my grandmother went blind from it so unlike a lot of other people, it was something I’ve always been aware of. Because of this, I made sure I had regular eye examinations as I got older and it’s lucky I did as, even though I wasn’t suffering from any noticeable symptoms, my optometrist was able to diagnose the condition at the earliest stages. I take eye drops every night so the condition is easy to manage - it’s unbelievable that some people are still going blind from it in this day and age.”
If you think that you or a family member could be at risk of developing glaucoma or you already have it but would like further information visit www.lookafteryoureyes.org or make an appointment with your optometrist who will be able to answer your questions and discuss the most appropriate form of action.
Alternatively, you can call Sightline – an information, support and advice service provided by the International Glaucoma Association – on 01233 648170.