National Eye Health Week 2011
As part of National Eye Health Week (13-19 June, 2011), Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is calling on South Asian people to make having an eye examination part of their regular lives.
Research shows that South Asian people are more vulnerable to sight-threatening conditions such as cataracts and diabetes related eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy. (1)
National Eye Health Week - a collaboration of eye care charities, organisations and health professionals from across the eye care sector - is running throughout the UK from Monday 13 June.
Regular optician visits
It aims to raise awareness of the importance of eye health and the need to visit the optician regularly. An eye examination checks the health of your eyes as well as testing your vision for glasses.
Barbara McLaughlan, RNIB Eye Health and Social Care Campaigns Manager, said: "South Asian people are six times more likely to develop a diabetes related eye condition and twice as likely to develop cataracts.
"We would urge anyone in South Asian communities to have a regular eye test, and to take up the offer of diabetic retinopathy screening if they have been diagnosed with diabetes. Screening is free and so is an eye test for many people depending on their income and age. Just ask your optometrist to find out."
Research
Research shows that many people still don't realise the importance of an eye test. At least 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable if identified early enough. A simple examination offers the quickest and easiest way to check your eye health.
Although 86 per cent of the population fear losing their sight above all other senses, almost 20 per cent have not had an eye examination in the last five years. Only a third of people (35 per cent) are aware of the recommendation to visit their optician every two years. When asked why they did not visit the optician, nearly half (40 per cent) of people say they have not experienced any problems that would warrant an eye examination, while a quarter (24 per cent) do not think it is necessary, and one fifth (18 per cent) are worried about the cost.
The National Eye Health Week website (www.visionmatters.org.uk) features lifestyle and health advice, including tips on how to look after your eyes and what to expect as part of a sight test. It also provides information on who is entitled to a free sight test and assistance with the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
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Notes to Editors:
For more information contact RNIB media relations team on 020 7391 2223 or email pressoffice@rnib.org.uk. For out of hours, call 07968 482812.
For more details of sight conditions mentioned visit http://www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth
(1) South Asian people are more vulnerable to developing diabetes. Compared to the white European population, South Asians have a four- to six-fold increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
Genetically, South Asian people are more prone to central storage of body fat. This type of body fat is linked to a higher rate of diabetes.
Consequently, people from South Asian communities are more likely to develop the related eye condition diabetic retinopathy.
People with diabetes are more prone to developing cataracts. South Asian people are twice as likely to develop cataracts.
About RNIB
Everyday around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are almost 2 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
RNIB is a partner in the UK Vision Strategy, a ground-breaking UK-wide initiative which seeks a major transformation in the UK's eye health, eye care and sight loss services. The strategy was launched in April 2008 in response to a World Health Assembly global resolution to reduce avoidable blindness by the year 2020 and to improve support and services for blind and partially sighted people. To find out more visit: www.vision2020uk.org.uk/ukvisionstrategy.
Sources: The economic impact of partial sight and blindness in the UK adult population, Access Economics PTY Ltd, June 2009 (available from the RNIB and UK Vision Strategy websites)