The two minute challenge that could save your sight
Glaucoma New Zealand (GNZ) are asking Kiwis to invest two minutes of their time this March - Glaucoma Awareness Month - to understand a little more about glaucoma by taking their FREE easy, two-minute challenge.
The charity has created cardboard glasses which demonstrate what it may be like to experience glaucoma. Some impacted by glaucoma say, for them it means bumping into people or things, or wearing sunglasses inside, but the experience is different for everyone.
The two minute challenge invites people to wear these glasses once during March for just two minutes as part of their normal daily routine such as walking the dog, making a sandwich or scrolling on a phone.
Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer is Chair of Glaucoma New Zealand (GNZ) and a leading authority on Glaucoma. She says; “We hope that the two-minute challenge will start conversations throughout New Zealand about glaucoma that may not have otherwise occurred. If we can save the sight of just a handful of Kiwis our March awareness campaign will have been worth the effort.”
Glaucoma New Zealand Ambassador, broadcaster, Patrick Gower says; “I urge you to join me in taking this simple, two-minute challenge which can be done anytime, anywhere, by anyone throughout New Zealand. I can’t stress enough the importance of prioritising eye health and having regular eye health tests, particularly for those over 40. I know first-hand what damage glaucoma can do.”
The GNZ two-minute challenge does not involve tantalising prizes but the reward is priceless. You may be saving your sight or that of a loved one by encouraging them to get into the habit of booking a regular eye health check with their local optometrist which coincidentally only takes about two minutes! Professor Danesh-Meyer added; “The heartbreaking thing for eye health professionals treating advanced glaucoma is that permanent vision loss could have been avoided in most cases. With today’s technology, glaucoma can be identified by optometrists as part of regular eye health checks and if treated early enough glaucoma can be stopped in its’ tracks.”
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve which is commonly referred to as the ‘Silent Thief Of Sight’ because without warning it can cause permanent vision loss. The disease can affect anyone at any age and cannot be reversed but it can be managed effectively in most cases if it is caught early enough. It is estimated that 65,000 New Zealanders currently have glaucoma but are not aware of it.
Those at highest risk of developing glaucoma are usually over 40 years old and or have a family history of the disease but this is not always the case. Glaucoma New Zealand are hoping to raise much needed funds this March to alert and educate those who are unknowingly affected by this insidious disease.
Request your free two-minute challenge pack during March from www.glaucoma.org.nz.