Key Summary
- Glaucoma cases may be nearly 50% higher than earlier estimates.
- Ageing population could see 1.6 million people affected by 2060.
- Many cases of vision loss could be prevented with earlier diagnosis.
A new study has found that the prevalence of glaucoma cases across the country may be nearly 50 percent higher than earlier estimated.
Researchers from University College London and Moorfields eye hospital predict that at least 1.6 million people in the UK will be living with glaucoma by 2060.
It is much higher than the current 1.1 million people estimated to have the condition.
Glaucoma is a health condition that occurs when the optic nerve that connects the eye and brain gets damaged, which impacts vision and leads to permanent sight loss.
As the population in the UK ages, glaucoma cases are expected to rise and add to the pressure on the healthcare system.
The researchers have called for an early diagnosis of glaucoma, to help prevent a vision loss.
Lead study author professor Paul Foster, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital said as the disease remains asymptomatic until later stages, regular tests are important for early diagnosis.
He said the prevalence of glaucoma is higher among some ethnic minority groups, who are more likely to experience delays in diagnosis.
Foster pointed out that over 40 percent of glaucoma patients in the UK experience vision loss that could have been prevented with earlier diagnosis and treatment.
