Specialist eye consultant and founder of London Ophthalmology Centre, Vik Sharma, is a leading mind in eye care in the UK and globally and has commissioned a National Eye Health Survey* to highlight the importance of regular check-ups, raise awareness of glaucoma, cataracts and other diseases that can impact vision and make the public aware of new and innovative solutions for eye care.
The extensive survey has highlighted that a staggering 84% of the UK public are unaware of any early symptoms of glaucoma including headaches, nausea, seeing multi-coloured halos and the loss of peripheral vision.
More concerningly only 35% of the UK are aware glaucoma is one of the main reasons you need to have a regular eye test and nearly a third (32%) do not have regular eye tests. These numbers are hugely concerning and the leading eye consultant advises everyone to be tested once a year, and if you are over 40s and/ or if you have a family history of glaucoma then regular tests are even more important. Anyone with Glaucoma should be checked twice a year.
Glaucoma is a serious life-changing disease that can threaten your vision and impact your daily life. It is the leading cause of blindness and can cause permanent damage to your eyes if it goes undetected. It's estimated that 1 in 50 people will develop Glaucoma over 40 but it can strike anybody of any age and about 50% of glaucoma diagnoses are missed due to non-attendance and lack of screening.
In recent years there have been advances in glaucoma detection, which means it can be treated earlier than ever so it’s important to get your eyes checked at least once a year particularly if you’re over the age of 40. The leading clinic specialises in innovative technology to diagnose, monitor and treat Glaucoma.
Most cases of glaucoma are asymptomatic until the advanced stages of this irreversible disease so it’s vital people are checked regularly. When being checked practitioners should assess the optic nerve along with an applanation pressure check especially if there are any suspicious features or a family history of glaucoma.
Consultant Vik Sharma, commented, “We are keen to raise awareness of the early signs of glaucoma as the quicker it is detected the better especially as so many of the public don’t visit their optician unless they see a noticeable change in their eyesight.
It is hugely concerning to see nearly a third of the UK population not getting regular check-ups and millions being totally unaware of Glaucoma.
Some people may have medical conditions and hereditary traits that can increase the chances of having glaucoma, this is a disease that can strike anybody so it’s important to get your eyes checked at least once a year.“
The London Ophthalmology Centre (OC) is a world-leading eye care clinic and offers some of the latest innovative techniques that are exclusive to the clinic. All consultants hold Fellowships FRCOphth with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. The centre was founded by Mr Sharma who is a surgeon to royalty and the trusted choice of professional colleagues including doctors, GPs and eye surgeons.