68% of Gen X risk early blindness by putting off eye examinations

The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age, and people aged 40-plus have a higher chance of contracting the disease. Given the low number of Gen X’ers taking the time to have an eye examination, the generation is in danger of developing bad eye health habits that could put their eye sight at risk.More than half (56%)1 of Australians are likely to put off having an eye examination, and one in two2 people with glaucoma in Australia are undiagnosed. The research however did reveal that ‘Baby Boomers’ are the most proactive generation when it comes to eye health, with 64% likely to prioritise having an eye examination1.This year, Specsavers is working with Glaucoma Australia to raise awareness for World Glaucoma Week, and is urging Australians to make their eye health a priority by having an eye examination. Specsavers is also encouraging Australians to talk about the condition with family, as glaucoma is commonly a hereditary disease with first relatives of people with glaucoma being ten times more likely to develop the disease2.Mr Peter Larsen, optometrist and professional services director at Specsavers, commented: Specsavers is supporting Glaucoma Australia on its quest to raise awareness of glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and is urging Australians to have their eyes examined this World Glaucoma Week. It is alarming that so many mbers of Generation X are not aware of the importance of regular eye examinations, especially as they reach a high-risk age group.  References:1 Galaxy Research, Novber 20152 Glaucoma Australia