Glaucoma study findings emphasise need for regular eye checks

People with early-stage glaucoma see the contrast of visible objects in a very similar way to people without the condition, a new study has shown.

Research by the University of Bradford (UK) demonstrated that the brain compensates for the changes in the eye caused by glaucoma when looking at objects with everyday levels of contrast.

The findings add to the understanding of why glaucoma patients report few early symptoms of the disease and may not seek testing until their disease is more advanced.

Glaucoma is a common eye condition affecting half a million people in Britain, where the optic nerve which connects the eye to the brain becomes damaged.

It develops slowly over many years and affects peripheral vision first.

If untreated, glaucoma results in permanent vision loss.