SPECSAVERS in Ammanford is calling on local residents over the age of 60 to have an eye test, to coincide with Older People’s Day on October 1.

Regular sight tests are necessary to monitor your overall health, and the importance of these tests increases with age. Examining your eye health can help to identify other health conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes and cataracts, early on.

A person’s risk of developing glaucoma increases over the age of 40 and even more so after 70 years of age, with approximately one in 50 people over the age of 40 affected by glaucoma1.

An individual’s vision changes as part of the natural ageing process; regular check-ups and having the correct eyewear helps to retain the best possible quality of vision.

Kevin McCarthy, store director, Specsavers Ammanford, said, "It is very important to raise awareness of the role eye tests play in diagnosing health problems, and we’d like to encourage anyone over the age of 60 to call in store to have their sight checked this Older Person’s Day.

"Some conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes, are more common among the older generation, but individuals may not be aware of their symptoms. Other eye-related conditions that older people can commonly develop include presbyopia, floaters, retinal disorders, corneal diseases and eyelid problems.

"A routine eye test can often identify any issues affecting a person’s eye health, and Specsavers recommends customers have their sight checked every two years, or sooner if recommended by your optometrist.

"If detected early, many of these conditions can be treated effectively, preventing any further impact to an individual’s vision, or general health."

Older People’s Day aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions older people make to our society and economy, and to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle2.

For further information or to book an eye test at your nearest Specsavers store, please call 0800 068 0241 or log onto www.specsavers.co.uk.