Thousands 'at risk' of sight loss

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How a driver experiences tunnel vision

Up to half a million people in England and Wales risk losing their sight because they have undiagnosed glaucoma, specialists say.

They want people to visit an optician to test for the condition, caused by too much pressure inside the eye.

A simulation developed at City University in London shows how badly glaucoma can affect driving.

It creates a "tunnel vision" effect, meaning that potential dangers could be missed.

Let's make this country the first to prevent unnecessary blindness and disability from glaucoma Ian Murdoch Consultant ophthalmologist

Despite glaucoma being the leading cause of preventable blindness in the UK, a survey by drug firm Pfizer suggests a third of people do not know about its symptoms.

Fewer than half of those surveyed had undergone an eye test within the last five to 10 years, with one in five saying they would only visit the optician if a problem was obvious.

Mr Ian Murdoch, a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfield's Eye Hospital in London, said: "In all the developed world only half of those with glaucoma are diagnosed and receiving therapies.

"This need not be the case - everyone has access to eye health professionals.

"Let's make this country the first to prevent unnecessary blindness and disability from glaucoma."

Higher risk

Some people are at higher risk of developing glaucoma than others - those who are already short-sighted, the over 40s, people with diabetes and those of African-Caribbean origin.

Free eye tests may be available for people in these groups in some circumstances.

Alison Archard, who is 48, was diagnosed with glaucoma six years ago, after having an eye test "on a whim" when taking her daughter to the optician.

"I had not noticed any change to my vision because of the gradual effects of the disease," she told BBC Breakfast.