Consumer Health News

Regular eye-testing recommended for the over 35s

May 1, 2006, 13:24 GMT

Marburg, Germany ­ Anyone over the age of 35 should have their eyes tested regularly to detect cataracts, according to the German Green Cross, an organisation that promotes preventative medicine in Germany.

Germany's health insurance companies no longer pay for the costs of examination, but as a person gets older, the chances of developing glaucoma, a disease of the optic nerve rise.

Once an optic nerve or retina has been damaged, it is very difficult to heal.

A glaucoma can lead to total blindness which is one reason not to be shy about spending money on a test which will cost about 20 euros (25 dollars) in Germany.