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There are an estimated 64 million people worldwide with glaucoma, a group of eye conditions in which the main nerve to the eye – the optic nerve becomes damaged.
Optic nerve carries information about what is being seen from the eye to the brain – but when it becomes damaged, vision is lost.
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is now a leading cause of blindness. It’s common in men and
women over the age of 40, and if left untreated it can lead to up to 40 per cent of sight being permanently damage.
There are often no early symptoms of glaucoma, but when it becomes more advanced, signs may include missing or patchy sight or even serious loss of vision.
However, if detected early, it can be managed and useful sight can be maintained for years to come.
Although ten per cent of people with glaucoma who receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision.
Regular check-ups with an optician every two years, or one to two years if you’re over 40 is recommended. A
recent study found it may be possible to predict glaucoma in this way up to ten years in advance. Glaucoma is treated
with eye drops which must be used for a long period of time.