NEHW forecast warns of rising eye disease

More than 1.6 million new cases of sight-threatening eye disease are forecast over the next decade, analysis released for National Eye Health Week (NEHW 22–28 September) has indicated.

This would be the equivalent of one new case every three minutes, Eye Health UK, the organisation behind NEHW, highlighted.

This awareness week, the organisation has emphasised the importance of routine testing for early detection of eye disease, and illustrated the barriers that can prevent people from accessing sight tests.

Eye Health UK carried out the analysis using data modelled by York Health Economics Consortium in order to predict future causes of four of the most common causes of sight loss: cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

The forecasting predicts a 24% rise in the number of people with late age-related macular degeneration, as well as a 13% increase in cases of glaucoma.

A poll of 2000 UK adults, conducted on behalf of Eye Health UK, found that four in 10 British people fail to have their eyes tested every two years.

The organisation highlighted that many of those missing eye tests were experiencing socio-economic deprivation, rationing eye test attendance due to concerns about the cost of glasses, or delaying appointments until their symptoms caused concern.

Eye Health UK emphasised that missing appointments prevents the early detection of eye disease and timely referral for treatment.

David Cartwright, chair of Eye Health UK, commented: “Urgent steps to tackle poor eye health, including greater uptake of sight tests and prevention strategies, are needed to avoid people suffering unnecessary and irrecoverable vision impairment.”

Awareness of eligibility for NHS support for sight tests and optical vouchers “perpetuates barriers” to attending appointments, the organisation highlighted.

Eye Health UK found that 55% of people on low incomes say they are unaware of their entitlement to free NHS sight tests, and four in 10 know about NHS help towards the cost of prescription eyewear.

Cartwright said: “Educating people about their entitlement to help with eye care costs is vital to improve uptake of routine sight tests and mitigate the rising prevalence of sight-threatening eye disease that’s being driven by an ageing and unhealthy population.”

Eye Health UK has created an eye health calculator to help people understand risks of future eye disease and how these can be reduced.

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