Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the nerve connecting the eye to the brain. In most cases, damage is caused by raised pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP), although glaucoma can occur at normal pressures too.
It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, but when detected early, it can almost always be controlled to prevent significant vision loss.
The Problem with Glaucoma
Glaucoma is sometimes called "the silent thief of sight." In the most common form (open-angle glaucoma), there are no symptoms in the early stages. Vision loss begins at the periphery (sides) and progresses very slowly — by the time most people notice anything, significant damage has already occurred.
This is why regular eye tests with your optometrist are essential, especially if you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or are of African or Caribbean heritage (higher risk groups).
Symptoms (when they do occur)
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision — often not noticed until advanced
- Blurred vision
- Haloes around lights
- Eye pain and headache (in acute angle-closure glaucoma — this is an emergency)
- Nausea and vomiting accompanying eye pain (angle closure — call 01732 756789 immediately)
Types of Glaucoma
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG): The most common type. Gradual, painless, affects peripheral vision first.
- Normal tension glaucoma (NTG): Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure.
- Ocular hypertension (OHT): Raised pressure without damage — a risk factor for glaucoma.
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: Sudden blockage of fluid drainage — a medical emergency.
When to Seek Help
- If an optometrist suspects glaucoma at a routine eye test — they will refer you
- If you have a family history: request a full glaucoma assessment with your optometrist annually
- Urgently: severe eye pain, nausea, headache, and sudden visual disturbance — go to eye casualty or call 01732 756789
Treatment
Glaucoma cannot be reversed, but it can be controlled. Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to slow or halt optic nerve damage. Options include daily eye drops, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), or surgery.