150,000 Aussies have eye condition

11th March 2010

MORE than 150,000 Australians have been diagnosed with the vision-destroying condition glaucoma but just as many may have it but don't know.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and thousands of Australians are living with the disease, federal Ageing Minister Justine Elliot said as she launched an awareness week on Thursday.

"It is known as the sneak thief of sight," she said at Parliament House, adding the condition was gradual and often went undetected.

Glaucoma did not discriminate on the basis of age but the likelihood of contracting it increased with age with one in 10 Australians over the age of 80 developing glaucoma.

"There are more than 150,000 people with diagnosed glaucoma in Australia and estimates suggest a further 150,000 unaware that they are living with the condition," Ms Elliot said.

The good news was that early detection, through regular eye checks, could significantly reduce the impact of this condition.

"Early intervention and better treatments mean that we are able to slow the progression of the disease and prevent further vision loss," she said, adding World Glaucoma Week was a reminder for people to have regular eye checks.

It was advice taken up by Northern Territory MP Damian Hale who had his eyes tested during the launch.