EYE HEALTH INFORMATION
DID YOU KNOW
- 75% of visual impairment is unnecessary – it can be either prevented or treated
- Blindness ranks alongside cancer as the most feared health condition in Australia
- Each year 10,000 people in Australia go blind, adding to the half million who are already visually impaired in both eyes.
Melanoma
Melanoma of the eye (eye cancer) is distinct from most skin melanomas associated with ultraviolet exposure; however, it shares several similarities with other non-sun-exposed melanomas. Incidence of melanoma of the eye is highest among people with lighter skin and blue eyes.Australia has the highest rate of melanoma of the eye in the world
Clear Insight: The Economic Impact and Cost of Vision Loss in Australia, 2004
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GlaucomaGlaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve becomes damaged, through a build up of pressure within the eye. The optic nerve damage results in permanent loss of vision. Often, this loss of vision is gradual and without symptoms.One in 11 Australians are estimated to have glaucoma in Australia, a staggering 50% of these are believed to be undiagnosed. More information about Glaucoma |
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CataractCataract is a condition where the clear lens inside the eye gradually becomes opaque (like a frosted window). Cataracts prevent some of the light reaching the retina, and result in blurred and washed out vision. Cataracts usually develop slowly, and cause a general loss of vision.Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, with an estimated 20 million people blind from cataract in the world today. More information about Cataract |
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Macular DegenerationMacular degeneration is the physical disturbance of the centre of the retina called the macular. The macular, which is about the size of the capital letter ‘O’ in this sentence, is the part of the retina that is capable of our most acute and detailed vision. The vision loss associated with macular degeneration affects central vision. Often this makes great difficulty with tasks such as reading or looking at people’s faces.Those most at risk of developing macular degeneration are those over the age of 50. The prevalence of macular degeneration increases significantly with each decade. More information about Macular Degeneration |
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Diabetic RetinopathyDiseases of the retina can lead to partial or total loss of vision. In young people, the major cause of vision loss due to retinal disease is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes can cause progressive damage to the eye's retina, and in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, there are usually no symptoms.90 per cent of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy is preventable if it’s diagnosed early. More information about Diabetic Retinopathy |
Children's Eye HealthNew research has shown Australian parents could be putting their children's eyesight at risk, with only nine percent believing their child's eyesight is the most important aspect of their health. Experts are urging parents to ensure their child’s eyes are checked regularly, with only one in five parents having their children’s eyes screened once a year. |
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