More than 700 people were diagnosed with glaucoma last year following screening in the six health centres.

Glaucoma, a silent disease that robs people of their sight, can be halted if caught early but the damage to the nerves cannot be reversed, making early diagnosis all the more important.

With this in mind, the authorities yesterday encouraged people to make an appointment at health centres to get their eyes checked. Tests, done for free and taking a mere 10 minutes, can make a difference between going blind and not.

Health Minister Joe Cassar said three per cent of over 40-year-olds suffered from glaucoma, with the number of patients expected to increase as the population aged.

"We need to be conscious of it and catch it early," he stressed.

Glaucoma, the second most common cause of blindness worldwide, has robbed the sight of an estimated 4.5 million people around the world with this figure expected to almost triple by 2020.

But half the people in developed countries did not even know about glaucoma, with the number believed to be higher in Malta, principal orthoptist Martin Francalanza said.

Although it was not known how many people in Malta suffered from glaucoma, Dr Francalanza said that in the past 15 years there were about 500 people diagnosed annually.

In a bid to urge more people to get their eyes checked, the authorities will be holding an open day in all health centres on Wednesday.