A new campaign to promote eye health awareness and the significance that lifestyle choices have on eye health, has been launched today (Thursday 30th May) by the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO)

The 'Your Sight, Our Vision' campaign, launched at the ICO's annual meeting in Killarney, includes an eye health information booklet to educate the public about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions in order to prevent avoidable sight loss.

There are 220,000 Irish people living with vision loss or blindness. It is estimated that 50,000 more people will have impaired vision and five thousand more people will lose their sight within the next five years.

The ICO stresses that the risk of vision loss increases with age and in 10 years, one million Irish citizens will be aged 65 or older.

The College recommends that after the age of 65, people should have eye exams every one to two years or as directed by an eye doctor.

It says healthy vision is essential to older people's ability to enjoy a good quality of life, from maintaining the ability to read and drive, to reducing the risk of injury from falls and other accidents, keeping eyes healthy into advancing age is crucial.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma are the main causes of sight loss in Ireland. Over 75% of sight loss is preventable with early diagnosis and treatment, the ICO stresses.