Vol. 417 No. 7
18 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the extent to which the cause or causes of sight loss are being investigated in this country; the degree to which contributory factors have been isolated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Publicly funded research into sight loss is primarily a matter for the Health Research Board. At present the board are funding a study of retinitis pigmentosa. This study, which commenced in September 1990, involves a financial commitment of £18,000 per annum for three years. The board have also funded a population based survey of glaucoma in County Roscommon: the amount involved here is £6,732.
Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary condition but in the case of glaucoma if the condition is detected at an early stage the prognosis can be good.
