Research develops exam to spot glaucoma earlier

Researchers from University College London have developed a new eye exam which might detect glaucoma a decade before symptoms appear.

Glaucoma, which affects approximately 60 million people globally, is predominantly caused by changes to the pressure inside the eye that kills the retina's nerve cells. Most of those who are fund to have it have lost a third of their vision by the time they are diagnosed.

The researchers use a fluorescent dye that sticks to the cells in the retina that are about to die, which will illuminate the retina in white fluorescent dots upon examination if there is an issue. In theory, the technique can identify the difference between they eyes of healthy patients and those with glaucoma.

Published in the journal Brain, the researchers say that more research is necessary, but highlight the importance of spotting the disease earlier. Current treatments to control the eye's internal pressure can stop or slow down the progression of the disease, although they cannot reverse the damage already done.

Prof Francesca Cordeiro, from the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, told the BBC News website: "For the first time in humans we have a test that identifies [glaucoma] disease activity before the disease develops. We are possibly talking five to 10 years before it would normally be identified."