It is estimated that over 300,000 Australians have glaucoma, yet 50% are unaware they have it, thinking they have healthy eyes. Anyone may develop glaucoma, but the incidence increases with age. About 1 in 10,000 babies are born with glaucoma, by age 40 about 1 in 200 have glaucoma, rising to 1 in 8 at age 80.
Known as the 'silent thief of sight', glaucoma develops slowly and often without any symptoms, leaving people undetected until the disease reaches an advanced stage. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause vision loss and may even lead to blindness. But if detected early, glaucoma can be managed and vision loss prevented.
The Living Well with Glaucoma presentation will be given by Glaucoma Australia's Volunteer Clinical Educator Richard Kha. Richard is a third-year medical student and really enjoys learning about the eye, and believes that vision is one of the most important senses, as it contributes greatly to a person's quality of life. Throughout his ophthalmology placements, Richard has seen how debilitating glaucoma can be, and how that leaves many patients anxious about their vision.
Event details:
Date: Tuesday 8 November
Time: 2.00PM to 3.30PM AEST
Location: Waverton Uniting Church Hall, 75 Bay Rd Waverton
For more information:
Ken Preshaw
Waverton Hub
Email - kpreshaw@gmail.com
Mobile - 0411 109 158
http://wavertonhub.com.au/