Glaucoma

Key Points

Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition where the nerve connecting your eye to your brain, called the optic nerve, gets damaged. This damage often happens because of a build-up of pressure inside your eye, which occurs when fluid cannot drain properly. Most people don't notice symptoms in the early stages, as it develops slowly over many years. Regular eye tests are crucial for early detection. While there's no cure, various treatments can slow down the damage and help prevent further vision loss.

Signs and Symptoms

• Usually no symptoms in early stages
• Intense eye pain (sudden onset)
• Red eye (sudden onset)
• Rainbow circles around bright lights (sudden onset)
• Blurred vision (sudden onset)
• Feeling sick and vomiting (sudden onset)
• Headache (sudden onset)

Things That Increase the Risk

• Being over 50 years old
• Family history of glaucoma (parent, sibling)
• Black African, Caribbean, or Asian background
• Short-sightedness (myopia)
• Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
• Diabetes

Diagnosis

• Routine eye tests
• Referral to a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist)
• Further specialized eye tests

Treatment & Management

• Eye drops to reduce eye fluid
• Laser treatment to decrease eye fluid
• Various types of surgery
• Regular follow-up appointments

Prevention

• Regular eye tests, at least every 2 years
• More frequent eye tests if at higher risk (e.g., family history)
• Early diagnosis to slow vision damage
• Adhering to prescribed treatments

Related Diseases

• Uveitis
• Diabetes
• Myopia
• Hyperopia

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Glaucoma:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Glaucoma: