A BOLTON consultant is supporting a national drive for greater awareness of an eye disease which can cause blindness.

Mr Simon Wallis, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with Bolton Hospitals Trust, has endorsed a national call for the public to regularly visit their optician.

Glaucoma is the most common cause of preventable blindness in the UK. It is estimated that two per cent of Bolton's population over the age of 40 suffer from glaucoma, one per cent have chronic glaucoma and about half of these people don't even realise they have it.

Glaucoma tests, available at opticians, are painless and take just minutes.

If you are over 40 and have a family history of glaucoma you can have an annual sight test free of charge.

Mr Wallis said: "If an optician even suspects glaucoma you will be referred to the hospital for further tests. Treatment is improving all the time but the earlier the diagnosis is picked up the better it is all round."

People who have an increased risk of developing glaucoma are: those with an affected close blood relative, including parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, children, nieces and nephews.

Diabetics, people with high blood pressure, those of the Afro-Caribbean race (six times higher prevalence), the over 40s and sufferers of severe short sightedness are all particularly prone.

If glaucoma is detected in its early stages, there is little likelihood of losing your sight.

Anyone wishing to know more can send for a free booklet: "Live with Glaucoma" from the International Glaucoma Association, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS.

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