On World Glaucoma Day, SeeAbility is excited to release two new easy reads on glaucoma, created in collaboration with Glaucoma UK.

Glaucoma is caused by high pressure in the eyes and does not produce symptoms until it is advanced. By that stage, much sight is irreversibly lost, which is why it is vitally important that sight tests for everyone over 40 include an eye pressure test and other checks for glaucoma.

People with learning disabilities can find these appointments challenging, especially the eye pressure test, which involves a puff of air into the eye. However, pressure testing should be possible in most cases, as long as reasonable adjustments are made.

The two new resources cover general information about Glaucoma, and how to take eye drops.

Adam, who is supported by SeeAbility, was going blind from glaucoma, but struggled to get his pressures checked due to the stressful hospital environment. As a professional care provider, his support team were able to purchase and use a clinical tonometer (which is not typically available for personal use) and supported him to get used to the sensation at home, where he felt comfortable. By taking regular measurements in this environment, the team are able to supply the hospital with live updates to manage his glaucoma and prevent further sight loss. These adjustments have saved his remaining sight.

SeeAbility recommends that everyone with a learning disability gets a sight test every year, as people with learning disabilities are ten times more likely to have sight loss. It is important that glaucoma screening is included as part of this, particularly for anyone over forty or who has family history of glaucoma.