Optical Express notes importance of sight tests to glaucoma management

Optical Express is encouraging the British public to have a sight test every two years in support of World Glaucoma Week (11–17 March).

The multiple highlights that fundoscopy, tonometry, perimetry and pachymetry all help to better manage the risk of glaucoma, as well as diagnose the condition at the earliest possibility.

Clinical director at Optical Express, Noelle Hamilton, explained that glaucoma is one of the world's leading causes of blindness.

“In the UK, about 2% of the population aged over 40 have the condition, rising to almost 10% in white Europeans over 75 years. The prevalence may be higher in people of black African or black Caribbean descent, or in those people who have a family history of glaucoma, according to NHS figures,” she shared.

“Although any vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, with early diagnosis, careful monitoring and regular treatments the vast majority of people will retain useful sight for life,” Ms Hamilton added.