Eye doctors are reminding people that the only way the serious eye disease, glaucoma, can be detected is through routine eye examinations.

An estimated 3% of Irish people over the age of 50 have glaucoma. If caught early enough, the condition can be treated, however it is usually symptomless in its early stages. At a late stage, it becomes irreversible, resulting in vision loss and blindness.

"The importance of having a regular routine eye exam to help prevent avoidable glaucoma-related vision loss cannot be over-emphasised. With early diagnosis and careful regular observation and treatment, damage can usually be kept to a minimum, and good vision can be enjoyed indefinitely," said Dr Aoife Doyle, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon and glaucoma specialist at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin.

She noted that with glaucoma, vision loss is gradual, so those affected are often unaware they have a problem ‘until their sight has been compromised'.

"It's crucial that people remember that once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be restored,' she commented.

The best way to detect glaucoma is through routine eye examinations. The test to detect it is non-invasive and provides a result immediately.

Dr Doyle made her comments to coincide with World Glaucoma Week, which runs until March 15. She noted that those most at risk from the condition are people over the age of 60, those with a family history of the disease and individuals of Hispanic and African descent.

"There are different types of glaucoma and some people are at greater risk and may need to see their eye doctor on a more frequent basis. People of African origin are more at risk of developing glaucoma and of developing it at a younger age. For this reason, regular comprehensive eye exams to catch symptoms early are essential," she said.

The Irish College of Ophthalmologists recommends that all adults have a ‘baseline, comprehensive dilated eye exam' by the age of 40, as this is the time when early signs may begin.

For those aged 60 and older, the college recommends having a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years.

Anyone with concerns about their eye health should see an eye doctor. For an appointment, you need to get a referral from your GP, although some eye doctors working in the community will give an appointment directly. For more information, see the Irish College of Ophthalmologist's website here

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