Keep your eyes healthy

Know your family history

It's important to know if a close family member (parent or sibling) has glaucoma, which is caused by a build-up of pressure on the optic nerve and can narrow your field of vision. If they do, you're two to three times more likely to develop the problem than someone with no family history of the disease. You'll also qualify for a free annual eye test on the NHS, so you can be diagnosed early and then have treatment to relieve the pressure and reduce the damage to the optic nerve.

Glaucoma affects about two per cent of over-40s and is more common in people who are short-sighted or have diabetes.