Public urged to book eye tests this week

This week, in recognition of National Glaucoma Awareness Week (June 6-12), Specsavers in Lisburn is encouraging all locals who know of glaucoma in their family to book in for an eye examination at an opticians.

Optometrists can detect signs of glaucoma, one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in the UK, by carrying out three simple tests - observing the main nerve in the eye, measuring the pressure in the eye (puff test) and checking peripheral vision.

Jill Campbell, store director at Specsavers in Bow Street said: “An estimated 600,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, but at least half haven’t been diagnosed. Many are unaware that glaucoma can be hereditary and signs go unnoticed, especially in the early stages when there are often no symptoms.

“Early detection means the condition can be monitored and future damage to vision minimised.”

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