The introduction of new equipment which enables the earlier detection of glaucoma could help save the sight of many people, according to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Steve Winyard, head of campaigns at RNIB, explains that the organisation is very excited by the new technology.

"If it is widely introduced across the UK, this will help to save many people's sight," he adds.

The new development was unveiled at Moorfields Eye Hospital last week and involves a test of the field of vision where a central white spot and 32 lines are shown on a grey screen.

Patients are asked to watch the spot and press the mouse each time one of the lines is seen to move.

The medical institution states that glaucoma is the most common cause of preventable blindness and estimates that there are around 67 million sufferers across the globe, with over 50 per cent of these cases being undiagnosed.