Irish people are facing a "ticking time bomb" in relation to a dangerous disease of the eyes which could cause blindness.
That's according to Specsavers, who have published new research on the perils of glaucoma.
A survey to mark World Sight Day, which is today, revealed that 40% of the Irish population don’t know what glaucoma is.
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Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and 48% of respondents don’t worry about it because they think ‘it’s rare’ while 40% wrongly believe it can be ‘cured’.
There are more than 246,773 people in Ireland who are blind or visually impaired.
But alarmingly, almost half (48%) of people still don’t know how often they should visit their optician for a routine check-up.
The Specsavers report highlights the link between sight loss and an increase in risk of loneliness, isolation and other health conditions such as clinical depression, diabetes, dementia and stroke.
The State of the Ireland’s Eye Health 2022 report was officially launched today
Kerril Hickey, Chairman of Specsavers Ireland, describes the findings as deeply concerning.
He says: "Glaucoma can be symptomless which is why only half of those affected even know they have the condition. While it cannot simply be cured or reversed, early treatment can be particularly effective in slowing or preventing vision loss, it is crucial that it is detected at the first possible opportunity. That’s why it is critical to educate the public on glaucoma and the importance of regular eye examinations."
Mr Hickey adds: ‘"his report highlights examples of integrated care pathways that are delivering high quality glaucoma care, but provision remains fragmented, particularly in Ireland.
"We are sitting on a glaucoma ticking time bomb yet there appears to be no nationally agreed plan to address concerns. We must draw on the professional expertise of the entire eye care sector and gain national agreement to implement new pathways to improve glaucoma care to help save sight."
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