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A recent breakthrough by British scientists, which could lead to much earlier detection of glaucoma and other eye conditions, offers new hope.

But the discovery also underlines how slowly and silently eye disease develops, as it pinpoints signs of damage up to a decade before anything can be detected with existing tests.

Professor Francesca Cordeiro, from University College London, explains: We have been able to identify sick nerve cells at the back of the eye which will go on to cause the vision loss you get with glaucoma. They are a very early warning sign of what is going to happen.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People estimates that at least 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable but many common eye issues including glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinopathy are not detected until it is too late.

Yet a new study for eye care specialists Bausch & Lomb found that almost nine out of 10 of those questioned were not aware of the risk and did not realise that eye disease often develops without any symptoms.

Optometrist Francesca Marchetti, an optical expert from eye care advisory panel WINK, says: With more of us living for longer, it has never been more important to proactively protect your eyesight.

Diet, lifestyle and family history have a big impact on our risk of eye disease and Francesca says: We cant choose our genes, but we can all make nutrition and lifestyle choices which will help insure against eye problems. It is like playing a game of cards you may not have been dealt the best hand but playing it intelligently can turn it into a better one.

Proven trump cards are vitamins C and E, the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, while jokers to beware of include smoking, obesity and excess sunshine.

Francesca explains how these different risk factors can play out and how to protect against problems.

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AMD

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the UK and it is estimated that one in 10 people over the age of 65 has some degree of AMD.

However the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found those at highest risk because of their family history can dramatically reduce their odds of AMD by taking a specific combination of vitamins C and E, zinc and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.

Francesca says: We are talking very high levels of very specific nutrients, which cannot be obtained from a healthy diet or a standard multivitamin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are important because they are both found in high concentrations in the macula, which is responsible for central high-resolution vision.

Leafy greens are a good source, but you would need to eat more than three cups of raw spinach a day to get the amount used in the AREDS formulation.

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DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

The leading cause of preventable sight loss among working-age Britons.

Most people with Type 1 diabetes will have some degree of retinopathy within 20 years of diagnosis and two out of three people with Type 2 are affected.

Francesca says: Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. It can still be treated in the early stages but there are no symptoms, so regular eye examinations are crucial.

A recent study found a daily intake of 500mg of omega-3 reduces the risk of retinopathy in middle-aged and older people with diabetes by 46 per cent.

However the National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows our consumption of oily fish, the richest food source of omega-3, is well below the recommended two portions a week.

Francesca advises: If you have diabetes, or your weight puts you at risk, increasing your intake of omega-3 is a wise move.

GLAUCOMA

This occurs when increased pressure within the eyeball damages the optic nerve but sufferers can lose 90 per cent of their optic nerve before realising there is a problem.

It becomes more common with age and diabetes or a family history increase the risk.

Low levels of omega-3 have been linked to increased intraocular pressure and studies have shown supplementation reduces pressure in the eyeball.

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PRESBYOPIA

Refractive errors, such as long or short-sight and presbyopia, are caused by a problem with the curvature of the cornea or lens, resulting in blurred vision.

Francesca says: Presbyopia usually begins around the age of 40 but alcohol, poor diet and too much sun increase the chance of developing problems.

CATARACTS

These occur when the lens becomes cloudy and opaque.

Most people over the age of 65 have some impairment but poor diet, too much sun, diabetes, smoking and sun damage can all add to the risk.

Francesca says: Damage to the lens is caused by oxidation, so antioxidants can provide an important insurance policy. Studies have shown that higher intakes of vitamin E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk."

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SUNGLASSES

Good sunglasses are a must but theres no need to spend a fortune on designer shades. Budget brands with a CE mark will provide all the protection you need, says Francesca A study found regular activity at least three times a week reduces the risk of sight problems.

But Francesca says: The most effective insurance is an ocular supplement, such as Ocuvite (16.50 for 60 capsules, Boots), which provides high levels of vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc, and omega-3 essential fatty acids.

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Stay trim and eat those greens to save your sight - Express.co.uk

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