It’s time to get eyes checked to save sight
Today is World Sight Day and The Blind Foundation is urging people to get their eyes checked.
The annual day of awareness focuses on blindness and vision impairment.
This year the theme is ‘eye care everywhere’.
Blind Foundation orthoptist practice advisor Claire Fitzgerald says that once people have one eye condition, they can overlook others.
“Not being able to focus on objects close to your face, a condition known as presbyopia, will affect most people in their 40s,” she says.
“This condition intensifies as people reach their 50s and most people will have to renew their prescription.”
“Many people in their 40s and 50s don’t need glasses for distance, and it can be tempting to pick up a pair of hobby glasses from the local shops. While these may allow you to still read the newspaper, it means you’ve missed out on having an expert examine your eyes.”
If you already have low vision, it’s vital to look after your remaining sight.
“We really encourage people to continue to get their eyes checked, as other conditions can develop.
“While some eye conditions do not have a cure, new treatments are becoming available all the time. If you notice a change in your vision which concerns you, talk to your eye health professional.
“The need for vision rehabilitation, which provides practical and emotional support helping people adjust to life with vision loss, will become increasingly important as New Zealand’s population ages.”