Australians need to take better care of their sight

World Sight Day – 9 October 2008

Early detection is the key to protecting your sight as you age.

More than 500,000 Australians over the age of 40 are vision impaired or blind and approximately 75 per cent of their conditions were preventable or treatable.

This year for World Sight Day on 9 October 2008, Vision 2020 Australia and its 59 members are calling on Australians to protect their eyes as they get older and have regular eye tests to help prevent permanent vision loss in later years.

“There is a direct link between ageing and vision impairment or blindness, regardless of your location or environment,” says CEO of Vision 2020 Australia, Jennifer Gersbeck.

 “The major eye diseases that cause blindness and vision impairment in Australia are macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract. Together with diabetic retinopathy and uncorrected refractive error, they contribute to more than 90 per cent of vision impairment among older Australians.”

 “Some of these conditions, if caught early, can be treated. A simple, regular eye test and being aware of the health of your eyes can often prevent permanent vision loss,” she says.

World Sight Day 2008 aims to raise awareness among people aged 40 and over that they need to take care of their eye health now.

“Early detection is the key. The earlier you detect and treat a condition the more likely you are to reduce the chance of further vision impairment or blindness in later years,” says Ms Gersbeck.

“We need to encourage people who are 40 or older to be vigilant with any changes to their vision, see their eye health professional early and access support services as soon as it is necessary,” says Ms Gersbeck.

Ms Gersbeck says vision impairment and blindness has a significant impact on an individual’s wellbeing and their contribution to the community.

“Older people who are vision impaired or blind are less likely to work than their peers, are more likely to be depressed, have falls and accidents, including traffic accidents, enter nursing homes earlier and die younger,” says Ms Gersbeck.