People over 50 require regular eye exams, experts warn

Eye specialists are urging people to get their eyes tested on a regular basis.

The message coincides with Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness Week which gets underway today.

According to a recent report, sight loss is set to rise in Ireland but specialists say 75% of blindness is preventable.

Consultant eye doctor at the Irish College of Ophthalmologists, Mark Cahill, said anyone over 50 should consider examinations.

The fact that people over the age of 50 should have their eyes tested regularly, perhaps every two years," he said.

"If your eyes are checked and something's seen that needs treatment, then the likelihood is you can prevent vision loss."