Am I At Higher Risk Of Eye Disease?

Some people are at higher risk of eye conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, because of their age, family history or origins. Ask yourself the following 6 questions to gauge your risk of eye disease.

Are you over 40 years old?

People over 40 are at increasing risk of developing glaucoma and glaucoma screening is a routine part of the eye exam. An eye examination is recommended every two years over forty and every year over seventy.

Do you have a close relative with glaucoma?

If your brother, sister or parent has (or had) glaucoma then you are more at risk. An eye examination is, therefore, FREE under the NHS over forty and recommended every year.

Do you have a parent with Age Related Macular Degeneration AMD?

If either of your parents has (or had) AMD then you are more at risk. The risk is greatly incresed if you smoke. Giving up smoking at any age will significantly reduce the risk. An eye examination is recommended every two years.

Are you of Asian or Black/African/Caribbean origin?

People of Asian or Black/African/Caribbean origin are at greater risk of developing diabetes and glaucoma, and at a younger age,compared to White or other ethnic groups, including those of mixed ethnicity. If you are over 25 you are more at risk. If you are over forty (and living in Wales) you are entitled to FREE Extended Eye Health Examination which is recommended every year.

Do you have diabetes?

Both types of diabetes can cause changes at the back of the eye that can lead to sight loss if not treated. This becomes more likely to longer you have suffered from diabetes. An eye examination is, therefore, FREE under the NHS and recommended every year.

Do you smoke?

People who smoke are at significantly greater risk of eye disease from a variety of causes. Giving up smoking at any age will significantly reduce the risk.