Glaucoma cases will rise by 60% in the UK by 2060, researchers have warned, labeling the common eye disease a “demographic time bomb” that can cause blindness if left untreated. They argue that “serious planning and action is needed now” to ensure future patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment.

The predictions are based on new analysis suggesting more than one million people in the UK may already have glaucoma, a higher number than previous estimates.

Experts are encouraging middle-aged people to get annual eye exams and calling for awareness campaigns to address delays in diagnosis.

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, and is most common in people over 50. It usually has no symptoms and develops slowly over many years.

Researchers from UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital said that while previous estimates suggest around 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, this figure “may not reflect the current population structure”.

Using the latest census data, the research team estimates that 1.1 million people in the UK currently have the disease, equivalent to 3% of the population aged over 40.

This is estimated to rise to 4% for people of African descent and 11% for those aged 85 and over.

glaucoma symptoms

According to the NHS

Glaucoma usually has no symptoms, and most people do not know they have glaucoma. It develops slowly over many years and is usually detected during routine vision tests.

Glaucoma usually affects both eyes, but it can be worse in one eye.

Glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause symptoms such as:

• Tenderness around the eyes

• A rainbow-colored circle can be seen around the bright light

• feeling unwell (nausea) and feeling unwell

Other diseases, such as uveitis or eye damage, can cause similar symptoms.

Lead author Professor Paul Foster, researcher at the UCL Institute of Eye Research and consultant eye surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: “Glaucoma is a common cause of blindness, but symptoms do not appear until late stages, so regular testing is important for early diagnosis.”

“Previous research estimates that half of glaucoma cases are undiagnosed, and the proportion is even higher in some ethnic minority groups, where diagnosis is more likely to be delayed.

“Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of blindness and increases the cost of treatment. More than 40% of people with glaucoma in the UK experience blindness, which could have been prevented with early diagnosis and treatment such as eye drops or surgery.”

The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, suggests the number of people with glaucoma in the UK will rise to 1.6 million by 2060, based on Office for National Statistics population projections.

Researchers said the findings highlight the need to not only ensure people have access to professional eye care, but also to expand eye care services to meet the expected increase in demand.

Professor Foster added: “Our findings show that cases of glaucoma will increase significantly in the UK, increasing the need to expand eye care services, including specialist care and diagnostic capacity, to meet this demand.”

“Awareness campaigns encouraging people to get eye exams are also needed as part of targeted early detection strategies to address delays in diagnosis, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach populations.

“It’s important for people in middle age and older to have an annual eye exam at an optician to look for changes that aren’t already causing symptoms.”

Joanne Clayton, chief executive of Glaucoma Society UK, which commissioned the study, said: “This new study reveals the reality that more than one million adults over the age of 40 are currently living with glaucoma, many of whom may unknowingly lose their vision and never recover.”

“This landmark study also predicts that glaucoma patients will increase by 60% by 2060, from just over 1 million to 1.61 million people. This is a demographic time bomb, and serious planning and action is needed now to prepare for the diagnosis, treatment and support of these future patients.”

“These findings highlight why regular eye exams are more important than ever.”