Simple test saves Mullingar man's eyesight

Peter McEvoy owes the sight in his left eye to his wife's insistence that he had a check up.Peter a 43-year-old, originally from Mullingar but now living in Ballinalack, had been experiencing foggy vision in his left eye since Christmas 2008. Peter thought that he would just have to live with blurred vision but his wife convinced him to have an eye examination at the Specsavers store.The frightening truth of Peter's situation was that he had Glaucoma, the second largest cause of unnecessary blindness in the world.Elaine McGovern, who has more than 12 years experience in eyecare, undertook Peter's eye examination. Following Mr McEvoy's description of his problem, a full eye examination using eye pressures, digital photography and field of vision test was carried out. The results suggested signs of glaucoma and Elaine felt urgent referral to the Ballinderry Clinic was necessary."I became concerned that Peter had advanced stage Glaucoma. Time is always of the essence when detecting abnormalities so I immediately referred him to an eye specialist in Ballinderry Clinic for a diagnosis," said Elaine.Friday of this week is World Glaucoma Day. It is estimated that thousands of people in Ireland could be risking their sight by unknowingly suffering from glaucoma,Those over 40 are particularly at risk, but if diagnosed early enough through a simple eye examination, the condition can be effectively managed.Specsavers is urging the over 40s in Ireland to have regular eye examinations to detect the onset of glaucoma and the stores will be lending their support to World Glaucoma Day on Friday 12 March, by offering complimentary eyecare advice.Most people associate an eye test with getting a new pair of specs or renewing their prescription, but few would associate an eye test with the ability to save your vision."Mr McEvoy's case reiterates advice that people should have their eyes tested at least every two years. Not only can an eye examination monitor your sight, it can also detect diseases and serious health problems. The main message to highlight for World Glaucoma Week, in light of Mr McEvoy's case, is that eye tests are essential for both your sight and general health," concludes Elaine.