Research shows they are 16 per cent more likely than women to suffer advanced vision loss after being diagnosed with glaucoma.
The condition – described as the “silent thief of sight” due to its gradual onset – causes damage to the optic nerve.
It affects 600,000 in the UK and more than 64 million worldwide making it the leading cause of irreversible blindness.
Karen Osborn, chief executive of the International Glaucoma Association, said: “Glaucoma is found in 2 per cent of the UK’s population aged over 40.
"Most of those people have a slow developing form of the condition and we estimate that half of all cases – that’s over 300,000 people – remain undiagnosed and are unaware that they are slowly losing their sight.”
Analysis shows more men are expected to be in this group because they do not seek medical treatment as readily as women.
A report for The Royal National Institute of Blind People and Specsavers revealed nearly 14 million people in the UK are not having their eyes tested every two years as recommended.
Specsavers has launched a £1 million campaign in partnership with the IGA to coincide with World Glaucoma Week which runs from March 12.
Spokesperson Dr Nigel Best said: “The only way to know if your eyes are healthy and your vision is accurate is to have your eyes checked by an optician at least once every 2 years.
“By detecting and monitoring glaucoma on the high street our optometrists can help to ensure people with glaucoma don’t get to the stage where the condition becomes sight-threatening.
"This not only greatly enhances their quality of life, helping to reduce isolation, depression and maintain independence by reducing reliance on others, it also has positive economic impacts.”
Sally Harvey, chief executive of RNIB, said: “We welcome any initiative that encourages people to look after their eye health.
"Regular eye tests and early detection on the high street, followed by timely intervention and management of eye health conditions, could help save your sight.”
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