print this page | email this page
International Survey Shows People Over Forty Ignore Risk Of Blindness
London, England, October 2, 2007 – Results of a new international survey reveal that eye exams are being ignored by many aged over 40. Only two fifths of respondents had visited an eye specialist in the last year to have their eyes checked. The survey showed that awareness of glaucoma was extremely low. A total of 40 percent of people surveyed were unaware that glaucoma is linked to blindness, even though it is the second leading cause of blindness. World wide, approximately 6.7 million people are blind from glaucoma, with almost 70 million affected by the disease.
The survey was launched as part of a global initiative sponsored by Pfizer Ophthalmics and supported by the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA) to educate people over age 40 on how to preserve their vision and recognize their risk of developing glaucoma. By 2020, the number of people with glaucoma is expected to rise to 80 million due to the rapidly growing aging population.
Less than half of those surveyed had undergone an eye pressure check. This proportion did not increase in the older age groups, even though the risk of glaucoma increases with age.
“Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of glaucoma can prevent damage to the optic nerve and preserve healthy vision, which is why check-ups are so important,” said Professor Roger Hitchings, Professor of Ophthalmology, University College London and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Moorfields Eye Hospital. “Everyone should proactively assess their risk of glaucoma with an eye specialist. A complete eye exam for glaucoma will include an eye pressure check, an optic nerve assessment and visual field examination.”
One of the key components of the All Eyes on Glaucoma initiative is a new, informative website sponsored by Pfizer Ophthalmics, www.AllEyesOnGlaucoma.com, where people can learn the proper steps to protect their vision, including the completion of an “Am I At Risk?” questionnaire and download tools including the “Conversation Starter” which can be taken to their eye specialist. Visitors will also be directed to local glaucoma organizations in their area for questions and support services.
About the International Survey
A multi-country survey of individuals aged 40 and above was conducted by the GfK Group. The survey included 4,352 people (2,020 males and 2,332 females) in seven countries including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.