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A cure may have been discovered for the world's leading cause of blindness.
In a study, Italian researchers discovered that glaucoma could be stopped by a special eye drop that contains a nerve growth factor.
Rats were treated in the initial study, conducted by the University of Rome, with three humans subsequently tested.
Improvements lasted for 18 months after the eye drops were used.
Lead researcher Dr Stefano Bonini said: "Although neuroprotection in glaucoma has already been attempted with several compounds, this is the first time that an improvement in visual function is observed in patients with advanced optic nerve damage."
It has been predicted that there are 77 million people around the world with glaucoma.
The condition is caused due to pressure inside the eye which goes on to damage optic nerve cells.
Many with glaucoma do not seek help until the condition is too advanced for treatment.
