SPECSAVERS in Northwich is warning men not ignore symptoms that could lead to blindness.

Glaucoma affects more than 64 million people worldwide making it the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.

Specsavers’ warning comes as research carried out by City, University of London reveals that men are 16 per cent more likely not to seek medical attention when warning signs develop.

Glaucoma is often described as the ‘silent thief of sight’ due to its gradual onset.

In the early stages the condition is symptomless meaning that only an eye health professional can test for it and detect it.

Over time the condition causes pressure to build on the optic nerve, causing damage which if left untreated can lead to blindness.

A routine eye test with an optician can detect signs of glaucoma and the sooner it is picked up the higher the chance of successfully treating it.

Salma Kamaluddin, Specsavers Northwich store director, said: “The only way to know if your eyes are healthy and your vision is accurate is to have your eyes checked by an optician at least once every two years.”

To raise awareness of glaucoma and encourage regular eye examinations, Specsavers has launched a health information campaign in partnership with the International Glaucoma Association (IGA).

The £1 million initiative coincides with this week’s World Glaucoma Week, from March 12-18.

Sally Harvey, Chief Executive of RNIB (The Royal National Institute of Blind People), said: ‘We welcome any initiative that encourages people to look after their eye health.

‘Regular eye tests and early detection on the high street, followed by timely intervention and management of eye health conditions, could help save your sight.’