Q My aunt has glaucoma and I have been told it is hereditary and that I should go and see the optician. The danger with chronic glaucoma is that your eyes may seem perfectly normal. There is no pain and your eyesight will seem to be unchanged even though your vision is being damaged. Delay in treatment may cause loss of sight in the affected eye. Anyone over 40, especially with a history of glaucoma in a near blood relation, should see an optician.
Eye tests are free to anyone who has a relative suffering from glaucoma.
Last year I had a bad dose of flu which left me feeling below par for quite a long time. Is it advisable to have a vaccination, especially as I am not getting any younger. A Flu vaccinations are advised for anyone over 75. It is also a good idea to have one if you suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart disease, a lowered immunity or have had steroid treatment for cancer. Ask your doctor about getting a vaccination before the winter starts.