Sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is urging people to ensure they get their eyes regularly checked, as alarming figures predict the number of people living with the two most common sight conditions in England will soar by more than a quarter in a decade. By 2036, over one million people will be living with glaucoma, and almost 800,000 people will have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), warns the charity.
Understanding Glaucoma and AMD
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often caused by high pressure inside the eye. It typically has no early symptoms but can lead to irreversible blindness if untreated, making regular checks crucial. AMD causes changes to the macula, located at the back of the retina, leading to problems with central and detailed vision. The condition can cause central vision to become distorted or blurry, and over time, a dark area may appear in the centre of a person's vision.
Expert Advice
Louise Gow, the charity's head of optometry, said: “In many cases, sight loss can be prevented by routine eye tests or if help is sought when changes in vision are investigated quickly. We recommend that everyone has an eye test at least every two years, and more frequently if you are advised to do so by your optometrist because you are in a higher risk group.”
The stark figures come from RNIB’s updated Sight Loss Data Tool, the UK’s largest collection of eye health and sight loss data. John Slade, RNIB’s head of strategic research, said: “The refreshed Sight Loss Data Tool provides detailed insight into the numbers of people living with sight loss, what eye conditions they’re living with and what risk factors for sight loss diagnosis may be present in an area. We’re keen for everyone to make the most of the information available. Registration to the Tool is open for everyone to use.”
For more information, visit www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/research-and-data/sight-loss-data-tool/ or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
