In testing times, the eyes have it

TURNING a blind eye to regular eye tests could be putting millions of Australians in danger of future vision impairment, or blindness.
Vision 2020 Australia, estimates about seven million people are at risk because they don’t know the basic facts about their eyes.
The CEO of Vision 2020 Australia, Jennifer Gersbeck, said a national survey of the organisation’s 59 organisations revealed almost one-third of Australians incorrectly believed they should wait until they had symptoms before getting their eyes tested.
And 66 per cent of Australians did not realise there were no symptoms to indicate early eye diseases that could rob them of their sight.
“As a result of these misconceptions, more than half a million Australians over the age of 40 are blind or vision impaired. About 75 per cent of these people have conditions that were preventable or treatable if they were caught early with a simple eye test,” Ms Gersbeck said.
She said regular eye checks were especially important for people over the age of 40.
“There is a direct link between ageing and vision impairment or blindness, regardless of where you live or what your environment is like,” she said.
“The major eye conditions that cause more than 80 per cent of blindness and vision impairment in Australia are age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and uncorrected refractive error.
“Most of these conditions can be treated if they are caught early. A regular eye test and being aware of the health of your eyes can prevent permanent vision loss.”
“Early detection is the key. The earlier you detect and treat a condition the more likely you are to reduce further vision impairment or blindness in later years,” Ms Gersbeck said.
People who had diabetes, a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration or were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent should have their eyes tested every two years, Ms Gersbeck said.
People should protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses and sun hats, quit smoking and wear eye protection at home and at work.
They should access low-vision services if required for advice on services, equipment and training. For details on the impacts of ageing eyes and general eye health for people 40 and above visit www.vision2020-australia.org.au