Vision Centre

Hidden scourge 'steals' eyesight

By Laura Nelson - Gold Coast Sun 14/09/2005

Up to 7,500 Gold Coast residents could have the sight threatening disease, glaucoma, but not know it. That's the grim warning from Beverly Lindsell, national executive officer of the Glaucoma Australia.

"More than 300,00 people in Australia are estimated to have glaucoma with half of them unaware of the disease," she said.

Based on these statistics, as many as 15,000 Gold Coasters could have glaucoma, with half of them unaware they have 'the sneak thief of sight'.

Glaucoma will fall under the spotlight at a public seminar at The Vision Centre, Nerang Street, Southport, at 1pm on Saturday.

Mrs Lindsell will speak at the seminar and she encourages anyone with glaucoma or those interested in the condition to attend.

She said there were no symptoms of glaucoma until considerable sight had been lost.

The disease generally progressed slowly and destroyed vision gradually from the periphery or sides of the eye.

Although anyone can get glaucoma, people at a higher risk are those with a family history of the disease, are over 40 years old, suffer diabetes, migraine, short sightedness (myopia), had a previous eye injury, have high blood pressure or have used or are using cortisone drugs (steroids) for a prolonged period.

People in these groups should have their first eye check no later than at the age of 35.

It is recommended most people have an eye check for glaucoma by the age of 40.

"Unfortunately, there are people driving on our roads who are unaware they have lost or are losing their peripheral vision," said Mrs Lindsell.

"We recommend eye checks every two years as glaucoma cannot be self-detected."

"However, the disease is treatable and can be detected with a simple test."

Mrs Lindsell said it was important that people who had glaucoma told other family members so that they could also be checked.

"People are four to five times more likely to develop glaucoma if there is a family history of it - even if it is a cousin who has or has had glaucoma," said Mrs Lindsell.

Guest speakers at the seminar are Vision Centre ophthalmologists Dr Andre Theron and Dr Roger Welch.

Phone 1800 500 880 to book for the seminar which is free.