Media Release
For Immediate Release
18 August 2009
An estimated 150,000 Australians don’t know they have glaucoma
Half of all people with glaucoma are unaware they have the disease leading to irreversible vision loss
and blindness that could be prevented with a simple eye test.
This is just one of the findings by Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) researchers who are
investigating the genes associated with glaucoma and identifying new ways to diagnose those at a
high risk of developing the disease.
While everyone is at risk of developing glaucoma, people over 50 and those with a family history of the
disease are at greater risk.
Diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of 56, author and former Labor MP Dr Barry Jones said glaucoma
has been dubbed the ‘sneak thief of sight’ because vision loss caused by the disease is gradual, often
with no symptoms or warning.
“My sister, who is seven years younger, slowly lost her peripheral vision and was subsequently
diagnosed with glaucoma. Her ophthalmologist wisely told her ‘send your brother for
testing. If you
have it, he probably does too’,” Dr Jones said.
CERA Managing Director Professor Jonathan Crowston said that while treatment can delay the
progression of glaucoma, it can’t reverse the damage already done.
“A simple eye test will pick up glaucoma long before the patient notices any symptoms. Early diagnosis
and treatment significantly reduce
the risk of irreversible vision loss and blindness,”
Professor
Crowston said.
“During National Glaucoma Week I urge you to book an eye test, and remind a friend or loved one to
do the same. It could end up saving their sight.”
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is damaged, often by high pressure within the eye. Glaucoma
is Australia’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, affecting more than 300,000 Australians. It’s
estimated that the condition costs the community $1.9 billion annually.
During National Glaucoma Week (16 – 22 August 2009) Australians are being urged to book an eye
test and encourage others to do the same.
CERA conducts research into the leading causes of blindness. It incorporates the Department of
Ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne and is located at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear
Hospital.
-
ends -
For more information or to arrange an interview with Professor Jonathan Crowston or Dr Barry
Jones contact:
Lauren Metcalfe
BH: 03 9929 8424
MOB: 0409 255 980
laurenem@unimelb.edu.au
NEWS 
