Overview
- A UCL–Moorfields analysis using 2021–22 census data estimates just over one million UK adults aged 40+ currently have glaucoma, or about 3% of that age group.
- Cases are forecast to rise about 60% to roughly 1.61 million by 2060, outpacing the projected 28% growth of the over‑40 population.
- Researchers caution that more than half a million people may be undiagnosed, with over 40% of UK patients experiencing preventable vision loss due to late diagnosis.
- Risk concentrates in older age bands and some ethnic groups, with estimated prevalence around 11% in people aged 85+ and about 4% among people of African descent.
- The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology and commissioned by Glaucoma UK, calls for expanded specialist services, targeted awareness and early detection, with editorial commentary highlighting evidence for screening at age 67 and potential AI‑assisted diagnostics.