Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the bundle of fibres that sends visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is frequently associated with a build-up of pressure inside the eye, although it can also occur at normal pressure. If not managed, glaucoma can gradually reduce side vision and, over time, affect central sight.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible sight loss around the world, and it becomes more common with age. It can affect people of all backgrounds, but the risk is higher in older adults, those with a family history of the condition, and certain ethnic groups. Many people have it for years before noticing any change in their vision.

The most common form of glaucoma develops so slowly that there are often no early symptoms, with gradual loss of peripheral, or side, vision being the first sign many people notice. A less common form can come on suddenly, causing severe eye pain, redness, headache, blurred vision, and halos around lights, which needs urgent medical care.

Glaucoma is usually linked to a build-up of fluid pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve, though the exact cause is not always clear. Risk factors include older age, a family history of glaucoma, certain ethnic backgrounds, very high short-sightedness or long-sightedness, diabetes, and previous eye injury. Long-term use of some medicines can also play a part.

Glaucoma is usually found during an eye examination, which is why regular eye tests are so important. An eye specialist may measure the pressure inside the eye, examine the optic nerve, check your field of vision to look for missing areas, and assess the front of the eye. Several of these tests together help confirm the diagnosis and judge its severity.

Treatment focuses on lowering the pressure inside the eye to slow or prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Depending on the type and severity, this may involve regular eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery. Treatment cannot restore sight already lost, so it aims to protect remaining vision, and ongoing monitoring is usually needed. Your specialist will tailor the plan to you.

Glaucoma cannot usually be prevented, but sight loss from it can often be limited by finding it early. Regular eye tests are the most important step, particularly for people over 40 or with a family history. Following any treatment as advised, attending review appointments, and looking after general health, including managing diabetes, all help protect your vision.