2nd March 2009
Hospital's eye clinic throws open it's doors on world glaucoma day
The eye clinic at Broomfield Hospital is throwing open its doors to members of the public on Thursday 12 March as part of word glaucoma day.
This is the second world glaucoma day and between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday 12 March members of the Hospital’s ophthalmology team, including consultants, nurses and visual field technicians will be available to discuss glaucoma and the treatments available.
Mr Petros Andreou, consultant ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist, said:” Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. It is estimated that 4.5 million people globally are blind due to glaucoma. Glaucoma affects about two per cent of people over the age of 40 in the UK.”
Rose White from Chelmsford, a glaucoma patient, said:” This is a rare opportunity to talk to the glaucoma specialists in an informal seeing. I didn’t realise I had glaucoma until it was picked up at one of my regular appointments. If anyone has any worries about glaucoma they should go along to the open afternoon as they will be able to find out more.”
During the afternoon the team will be on hand to discuss the treatments used for glaucoma and explain more about some of the technology that is available. There will also be information leaflets available and refreshments will be provided.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage of the optic nerve at the point where it leaves the eye to carry visual information to the brain. If left untreated, most types of glaucoma progress (without warning nor obvious symptoms to the patient) towards gradually worsening visual damage and may lead to blindness. Once incurred, visual damage is mostly irreversible, and this has led to glaucoma being described as the "silent blinding disease" or the "sneak thief of sight".
Mr Andreou adds:” The afternoon will provide the ideal opportunity for people to find out more about glaucoma and ask the professionals any questions they might have. We hope it will be successful and that we will be able to advise any people who are worried about glaucoma.”
ENDS
Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948
Powered by EasySite™