Ophthalmology · Eye health

Glaucoma

Understand optic-nerve damage, screening and treatments that protect sight.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss.

Chronic glaucoma is often symptomless; an acute attack can cause intense pain, a red eye, halos, blurred vision, nausea and headache.

Poor drainage of eye fluid often raises pressure, although glaucoma can also occur when measured pressure is within the normal range.

Diagnosis combines eye-pressure measurement, optic-nerve examination and visual-field assessment.

Tonometry, optic-disc examination or imaging, visual fields, gonioscopy and corneal-thickness measurement may be used.

Existing damage is usually permanent, but early treatment can slow or prevent further deterioration.

Eye drops, laser or surgery lower pressure according to type and severity; regular follow-up is essential.

Have regular eye tests and seek advice for visual concerns or a family risk of glaucoma.

Sudden eye pain, a red eye, halos, blurred vision, headache or nausea is an eye emergency.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.