KEEP AN EYE OUT

Knowing glaucoma runs in your family could save your sight.

When did you last discuss eye health with your family? According to Specsavers research, 68% of adults either have not had, or can’t remember having, such a conversation. But doing so could help to save your sight. Glaucoma, the leading cause of avoidable blindness worldwide, can be hereditary – you are 10 times more likely to have glaucoma if you have a direct family member with the condition. As early detection is important for successful treatment, having a chat to determine if you have a family history of the disease is key.

Angela O’Leary, 53, discovered she had glaucoma during an eye test with Specsavers, which she’d booked after reading started to feel uncomfortable. She didn’t know glaucoma ran in her family until she had been diagnosed with it and talked about it with her relatives. “I discovered that my sister and aunt also have glaucoma,” she says. “My sister was diagnosed before me but didn’t discuss that it was glaucoma.” Having this conversation earlier could have allowed O’Leary to start treatment sooner. “It’s important to have conversations with family about hereditary links when it comes to health issues like glaucoma,” she says. “Ongoing conversations can encourage other family members to get checked – my daughter in her mid-20s is now going for a check.”

Specsavers optometrists can carry out several tests to detect glaucoma, in addition to the usual examinations during an eye test. All Specsavers stores have hospital-grade technology to help detect sight-threatening eye conditions through an advanced 3D scan of the back of the eye. Tests at least every two years are essential for early detection of glaucoma – more frequently if advised by your Specsavers optometrist.

To book an appointment, or for more information, visit: www.specsavers.co.nz/stores