PEOPLE are being encouraged to have routine eye tests.

That is the message from doctors during Glaucoma Awareness Month in January.

Glaucoma is an eye condition which can lead to reduced vision and even blindness.

In most cases, glaucoma does not present with symptoms until very late when some irreversible damage may have already occurred.

The condition can be managed and, due to this, people have been advised to have their eyes tested at least every two years.

The eye tests are painless and include measurements of the pressure inside your eye and tests of peripheral vision.

Dr Rahul Thakur, a local GP and clinical lead at both CCGs, said: “Glaucoma can cause serious damage to your eyes and, in worst case scenarios, it can lead to blindness. This is why it is important to diagnose the problem during the early stages of the illness and the best way to do this is to have regular eye tests, at least once every two years.”

For more information about glaucoma or to find out what to do if you are experiencing symptoms, visit nhs.uk/conditions/Glaucoma/Pages/Introduction.aspx, or https://www.facebook.com/EastLancsCCG and https://www.facebook.com/EastLancsCCG