Glaucoma

Damage to the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. You usually notice it late.

Symptoms

• No symptoms at first; that is what makes glaucoma tricky
• Later, reduced vision at the sides, or bumping into things more often
• Central vision stays good for a long time, so it is noticed late
• In the acute form: severe pain, nausea, a red eye and halos around lights

How it develops

The fluid in the eye does not drain well, so pressure rises and the optic nerve fibres are slowly lost. The risk increases with age, family history, strong short-sightedness and certain ethnic backgrounds. In the acute form the drainage angle suddenly closes.

Treatment

• Measuring eye pressure, assessing the optic nerve and testing the visual field.
• Treatment usually starts with pressure-lowering drops, used long term and faithfully.
• Laser treatment and surgery are also options.
• Treatment stops further damage but cannot undo it, so early detection matters.
• Regular check-ups remain necessary, even when your vision feels fine.

This page is a short summary and does not replace a consultation. Want to know how the eye works? See The eye.