Regular eye checks prevent glaucoma
02 March 2010
- World Glaucoma Week 7-13 March
- Glaucoma is one of the main causes of vision loss in Australia
- Vision Australia ensures that people with glaucoma are able to increase their independence
- Vision Australia provides simple, cost effective solutions
More than 300,000 Australians have Glaucoma and alarmingly an estimated 50 percent of glaucoma cases remain undiagnosed*.
Albury local, George Warman, 70 years, was diagnosed with glaucoma around fifteen years ago. He started treatment immediately but unfortunately he was unable to control the pressure in his eyes.
"If I can give any advice to people it would be to have regular eye checks. The earlier the condition is picked up the more can be done," said Mr Warman.
After a series of different medical procedures and operations, Mr Warman lost his vision in one eye and shortly afterwards the sight in his other eye deteriorated to a point where he now has only light perception.
"I lost the vision in my first eye after an operation to save my sight failed. I was scared that the same would happen to my other eye so I delayed having the second operation. If I had had the operation earlier maybe I would have more vision left in my other eye," he said.
Mr Warman contacted Vision Australia for support in maintaining his independence at home.
"Vision Australia has been a tremendous help," said Mr Warman. "One of my favourite services is Vision Australia's library. It really is the main back stop of my existence. Without it, I don't know what I'd do," he said.
"I'd tell anyone with vision problems to come to Vision Australia - they are a great help and have totally changed my life," added Mr Warman.
World Glaucoma Week (7-13 March) offers an opportunity to educate the community about the condition and the importance of early diagnosis.
*According to the Glaucoma Australia association
