|PIC1|According to a national survey commissioned by Australia's peak eye health body, Vision 2020 Australia, and its 59 member organisations, almost one third of Australians incorrectly believe they should wait until they have symptoms before getting their eyes tested. Meanwhile, 66 per cent of Australians do not realise that there no are symptoms to indicate early eye diseases that could rob them of their sight.
As a result of these misconceptions, more than half a million Australians over the age of 40 are blind or vision impaired. Around 75 per cent of these people have conditions that were preventable or treatable if they were caught early with a simple eye test.
CEO of Vision 2020 Australia, Jennifer Gersbeck, said: "The fact that hundreds of thousands of Australians will be blind or vision impaired because they skipped a simple eye test is truly alarming. Today (October 9) is World Sight Day and I want to encourage all Australians to get their eyes tested – don't put it off."
Ms Gersbeck said it was especially important for Australians over the age of 40 to have regular eye checks to help prevent permanent vision loss in later years.
"There is a direct link between ageing and vision impairment or blindness, regardless of where you live or what your environment is like," she said.
"The major eye conditions that cause over 80% of blindness and vision impairment in Australia are age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and uncorrected refractive error.
"Most of these conditions can be treated if they are caught early. A regular eye test and being aware of the health of your eyes can prevent permanent vision loss."
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 further vision impairment or blindness in later years," said 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."
Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown, said blindness and vision impairment had a significant impact on an individual's wellbeing and their contribution to the community.
"Older people who are blind or vision impaired are less likely to work than their peers, are more likely to be depressed, have falls and accidents, enter nursing homes earlier and die younger," Ms Brown said.
"Early intervention can prevent blindness. Equally important is accessing low vision services allowing people who are blind or vision impaired to maintain their independence. These services can have a dramatic impact on a person's quality of life, enabling people with low vision to lead full and active lives."
Have your eyes tested regularly if you are over 40, and see your eye health professional immediately if you notice any changes in your vision.
Have your eyes tested every two years if you:
• have diabetes
• have a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration
• are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Protect your eyes:
• wear sunglasses and sun hats whenever you are in the sun
• quit smoking
• wear eye protection at home and at work.
Access low vision services if you require them. Contact your local low vision centre for advice on services, equipment and training.
To raise awareness of the impacts of an ageing eye and eye health for people 40 and over, Vision 2020 Australia's members are holding events Australia-wide on World Sight Day or will be issuing material to the media. www.vision2020australia.org.au