While Australians fear going blind second only to getting cancer, around 7 million Australians could be at risk of blindness or vision impairment because they don’t know the basic facts about their eyes.
For World Sight Day 2008 (Thursday October 9) a national survey was commissioned by Australia’s peak eye health body, Vision 2020 Australia, and its 59 member organisations which include the Vision CRC and core partners IER, ICEE and CERA.
This survey has found that almost one third of Australians incorrectly believe they should wait until they have symptoms before getting their eyes tested. Meanwhile, 66 per cent of Australians do not realise that there no are 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. Around 75 per cent of these people have conditions that were preventable or treatable if they were caught early with a simple eye test.
The theme of World Sight Day 2008, “Eyes on the Future”, aims to raise awareness, especially among people aged 40 and over, that they need to take care of their eye health.
The major eye conditions that cause over 80% 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.
The key messages for World Sight Day 2008 are:
1. Have your eyes tested regularly if you are over 40, and see your eye health professional immediately if you notice any changes in your vision.
2. Have your eyes tested every two years if you:
• have diabetes
• have a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration
• are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
3. Protect your eyes:
• wear sunglasses and sun hats whenever you are in the sun
• quit smoking
• wear eye protection at home and at work.
4. Access low vision services if you require them. Contact your local low vision centre for advice on services, equipment and training.
For further information visit www.vision2020australia.org.au
