What you can do to help
Glaucoma Awareness Month is here again and, with it, another great reminder for those over 40 to get regular eye health checks.
While our aging population means more New Zealanders than ever will develop glaucoma, with preventative screening eye examinations and excellent treatment options, we are also in a good place to deal with this challenge.
Glaucoma is caused by a group of eye conditions which gradually damage the optic nerve. The disease is treatable with prescription eye drops but only if caught early enough. However, there are often no symptoms at first – it can only be discovered during an eye examination. Helping spread the word about the benefits of early detection is a major focus for reducing the number of cases each year.
If you have a history of glaucoma in your family, or if you’re over 45 and haven’t had an eye test in the last five years, now is the time to book an appointment. If you’ve unsure whether you should get a test your optometrist or GP will be able to tell you.
If you are unsure whether you should get an eye test, have a chat with your optometrist.
Beyond reminding everyone you know to get an eye test you can get involved by sharing Glaucoma Awareness Month social posts with the hashtag #GlaucomaNZ. You can also participate in the fundraising event, which raises money for research into glaucoma treatments and bolsters support for those affected by the disease.
We recognise the good work being done by Glaucoma NZ and provide regular financial support to the organisation. Their valuable efforts in new research, awareness campaigns, and community support is massive. It’s why we are proud to back them both in this special month and throughout the year.
For more information about Glaucoma, and to donate, take a look at the Glaucoma NZ website.