Menu
24/01/2006
Two million people 'risking their sight'
More than two million people in the UK are at risk of needlessly losing their sight through treatable eye conditions, according to a new report.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) said that 1.9 million people with diabetes and 250,000 people with early-stage glaucoma are unknowingly risking blindness.
A further half a million people are also risking losing their sight by not seeking treatment for cataracts or by wearing the wrong prescription glasses, the RNIB said.
In addition, two million people in the UK already suffer from sight problems.
However, the RNIB said that more than half of all sight loss is avoidable and it has called on the government to invest in a large-scale public eye health awareness campaign, to make the public aware of the importance of regular eye tests.
The RNIB found that nine out of ten people fear losing their sight above any other sense, but one in three people have not had an eye test in the last two years.
Steve Winyard, RNIB's Head of Campaigns, explains: "Ignorance is quietly robbing people of their sight every day. Unless action is taken now thousands of people in the UK will this year needlessly lose their sight from conditions that could be treated if caught early."
The RNIB has launched 'Open Your Eyes', advertising and poster campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye tests in preventing sight loss.
(KMcA)
The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) said that 1.9 million people with diabetes and 250,000 people with early-stage glaucoma are unknowingly risking blindness.
A further half a million people are also risking losing their sight by not seeking treatment for cataracts or by wearing the wrong prescription glasses, the RNIB said.
In addition, two million people in the UK already suffer from sight problems.
However, the RNIB said that more than half of all sight loss is avoidable and it has called on the government to invest in a large-scale public eye health awareness campaign, to make the public aware of the importance of regular eye tests.
The RNIB found that nine out of ten people fear losing their sight above any other sense, but one in three people have not had an eye test in the last two years.
Steve Winyard, RNIB's Head of Campaigns, explains: "Ignorance is quietly robbing people of their sight every day. Unless action is taken now thousands of people in the UK will this year needlessly lose their sight from conditions that could be treated if caught early."
The RNIB has launched 'Open Your Eyes', advertising and poster campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye tests in preventing sight loss.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 November 2013
Over 2,000 People Use 'Help To Buy' Scheme
More than 2,000 people have put in offers on homes under the Help to Buy scheme, totalling £365 million of new mortgage lending. The applications are backed by a 'decision in principle' by RBS and Lloyds, the first two participating banks, for 95 per cent mortgages. Ten of the 2,384 applications have already completed.
Over 2,000 People Use 'Help To Buy' Scheme
More than 2,000 people have put in offers on homes under the Help to Buy scheme, totalling £365 million of new mortgage lending. The applications are backed by a 'decision in principle' by RBS and Lloyds, the first two participating banks, for 95 per cent mortgages. Ten of the 2,384 applications have already completed.
29 May 2009
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
06 September 2006
Obese people risk losing their sight
Obese people are twice as likely to lose their sight, a report by the Royal National Institute of the Blind has warned. The report warned that obesity doubled the risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration - one of the leading causes of sight loss in the UK.
Obese people risk losing their sight
Obese people are twice as likely to lose their sight, a report by the Royal National Institute of the Blind has warned. The report warned that obesity doubled the risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration - one of the leading causes of sight loss in the UK.
23 September 2009
Boy Loses Sight In Mugging
A teenage boy has lost the sight in one eye after being assaulted during a robbery in Halesowen. The 15-year-old was walking along New John Street after 10pm on Tuesday September 1 when two men walked up to him and ordered him to hand over personal items. The main offender then punched him in the face, causing a severe eye injury.
Boy Loses Sight In Mugging
A teenage boy has lost the sight in one eye after being assaulted during a robbery in Halesowen. The 15-year-old was walking along New John Street after 10pm on Tuesday September 1 when two men walked up to him and ordered him to hand over personal items. The main offender then punched him in the face, causing a severe eye injury.
21 August 2015
Teenager Jailed For Abduction And Grooming Of Children
An 18-year-old man has been jailed on charges of abduction and grooming. Josh Bennett, of Underwood, Rochdale, was found to have used Facebook to pester underage children for sex - and allowed his flat to be used as a refuge for missing children.
Teenager Jailed For Abduction And Grooming Of Children
An 18-year-old man has been jailed on charges of abduction and grooming. Josh Bennett, of Underwood, Rochdale, was found to have used Facebook to pester underage children for sex - and allowed his flat to be used as a refuge for missing children.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
