Imagine life without your vision. Simple tasks that many of
us take for granted such as driving, working at a computer or even just making
lunch would be virtually impossible.
But for the half a million people who suffer from glaucoma,
the threat of going blind is very real. At present, one in 10 sufferers go
blind due to late diagnosis, drugs not working or a particularly severe case.
Glaucoma develops when the fluid that runs through the eye
becomes obstructed, causing pressure to build up in the eye. It is one of the
most common causes of blindness, yet if detected early enough, the condition
can be easily managed without any impact on the patient’s vision or day-to-day
activity – so ensuring that you get your eyes tested regularly is vital.
According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People,
everyone should have a sight test at least once every two years, but a recent
survey by YouGov showed that nearly a third of adults have failed to have their
eyes tested in the last 24 months, putting themselves at risk of developing a
range of potentially serious eye conditions.
Westfield Health’s cash plans include an optical benefit, which enables
you to manage eye care by providing money back towards the cost of sight tests
and prescription eyewear.
Health cash plan news: 19 March 2012
