U2 Bono: I have glaucoma and that’s why I wear shades

Many assumed the dark glasses worn by U2 frontman Bono were a fashion statement.

But he has revealed the reason he dons shades is because he has suffered from glaucoma for years.

The star said he has suffered the eye condition – which if left untreated can cause vision impairment and even blindness – for around two decades.

Until now, people put the singer’s ever-present sunglasses – which he even wore indoors – were a rock star affectation.

But he explained during a recording of tonight’s Graham Norton Show for BBC1 that they are to help with his vision problem.

Glaucoma can make the eyes more sensitive to light, causing sufferers to use dark glasses to alleviate difficulties.

Presenter Mr Norton asked whether the singer ever removes his shades, to which Bono replied: ‘This is a good place to explain to people that I’ve had glaucoma for the last 20 years.
‘I have good treatments and I am going to be fine.’

He added: ‘You’re not going to get this out of your head now and you will be saying “Ah, poor old blind Bono”.

Glaucoma is caused by a build-up of pressure in the eyeball when the fluid in the eye cannot drain properly, which can damage the optic nerve.

If left untreated, it can lead to loss of peripheral vision and ultimately complete loss of sight.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2796967/Why-I-wear-shades-U2s-Bono.html#ixzz3GZZHwRt9
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