Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.

This damage is often related to increased pressure inside the eye, but glaucoma can occur even when the eye pressure is normal. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.

It (often) initially progresses without any pain or symptoms; and is commonly referred to as the “silent thief of sight”.

Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

  • Are over 40 years old

  • Have a family history of glaucoma

  • Have high eye pressure

  • Are of African or Asian descent

  • Have diabetes or high blood pressure

  • Use steroid medications long-term

Types of Glaucoma

  • Primary open-angle glaucoma: Develops slowly and usually without symptoms early on.

  • Angle-closure glaucoma: Less common than primary open angle glaucoma but can occur suddenly. It is a medical emergency.

  • Normal-tension glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure.

  • Secondary glaucoma: Caused by other eye conditions, medications, or injury.

Symptoms

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight”. Early stages can have no symptoms; but you may notice:

  • Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision

  • Tunnel vision in advanced stages (which also eventually affects central vision)

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

A comprehensive eye examination may include:

  • Measurement of eye pressure

  • Examination of the optic nerve

  • Visual field (peripheral vision) testing

  • OCT (optical coherence tomography) imaging

  • Optic nerve photography

Regular eye checks are essential, especially if you have risk factors.

Treatment Options

While vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, treatment can almost always slow or stop progression.

Common treatments include:

  • Eye drops (to reduce eye pressure)

  • Laser treatment (SLT)

  • MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery)

  • Surgery (usually in more advanced cases)

Your ophthalmologist will tailor treatment to your specific condition.

Living With Glaucoma

  • Use your eye drops exactly as prescribed

  • Attend regular follow-up appointments

  • Inform your doctor about any side effects

  • Maintain general health (blood pressure, diabetes control)

When To Seek Urgent Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Sudden eye pain

  • Rapid vision loss

  • Halos around lights

  • Red eye with nausea or vomiting

These may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma, which requires urgent treatment.

Key Points

  • Glaucoma is almost always a chronic condition that can cause irreversible vision loss

  • Early detection is critical

  • Most patients can maintain good vision with proper treatment.