Glaucoma is an eye disease which causes a build up of pressure within the eye. The increase in pressure presses on the optic nerve, weakening the vision. Frequently this eventually causes blindness.

The lead researched is Dr Stafano Bonini, based in the University of Rome.

The treatment uses eye drops which protect the optic nerve against damage from the pressure. Initial clinical trials of three human patients produced improved vision in two of them, and stabilization in the other.

Moorfields Eye Hospital in London was cautiously welcoming of the news, saying that the production of an easy-to-use eye drop formula would be a huge step forward.

This is a very encouraging first result. Further studies are planned.