Nobody should lose their sight because of glaucoma, according to the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI). The organisation is calling for people to have regular eye exams to detect glaucoma, which continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in Ireland.

NCBI’s Chief Executive Des Kenny said: “National Glaucoma Week takes place from 5^th to 11^th June in the UK and NCBI is calling on people in Ireland to be aware during this week of the dangers of glaucoma and the importance of looking after their eyes.”

“It is hard to believe that glaucoma is the second highest cause of sight loss in Ireland, given the successful treatments that are available to help people manage the condition and prevent any further reduction in sight,” continued Mr Kenny.

Early detection is vital in the fight against glaucoma but most people do not get their eyes checked regularly and do not think that glaucoma can affect them. If caught early, a diagnosis of glaucoma need not result in significant sight loss as treatment can prevent further damage.

Particularly, people with family members who have the condition, anyone over the age of 40, people with short sight and people of African or Asian origin are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.

“Because early detection is so important, NCBI is asking people, especially those over the age of 40, to have their eyes tested every two years. Although you may not have any problems with your vision, an eye test can detect other problems in the eye and can prevent avoidable sight loss,” explained Mr Kenny.

For more information contact Fionnuala Murphy on 01 8821975.

Notes to Editors

1.    National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is a not for profit charitable organisation which offers support and services nationwide to those experiencing difficulties with their eyesight.

2.    2006 is NCBI's 75th anniversary year, having been established in 1931 to promote the physical, economic and social independence of people living with vision impairments.

3.    NCBI provides a range of services to 10,000 people experiencing difficulty with their eyesight in Ireland.

4.    Glaucoma is the name of a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged.

5.    The eye needs a certain amount of pressure to keep the eyeball in shape so that it can work properly and in some cases the damage is caused by raised eye pressure. Damage can also occur because of weakness in the optic nerve.