Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the bundle of nerve fibers carrying visual information from the eye to the brain — usually linked to raised pressure inside the eye. It's often called the "silent thief of sight" because the common form causes no symptoms until vision loss, starting with peripheral (side) vision, is already advanced. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, which is why early detection matters so much.
Symptoms
- Usually none in the early stages of the common (open-angle) form
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, often unnoticed until advanced
- Tunnel vision in later stages if untreated
- A less common form (acute angle-closure) can cause sudden severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, redness, and nausea or vomiting
Causes & risk factors
- Elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure)
- Age over 40, with risk rising further with age
- Family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes
- High myopia (nearsightedness)
- Thin corneas
- Long-term steroid use
- Previous eye injury
Diagnosis
- Tonometry — measuring pressure inside the eye
- Dilated eye exam to examine the optic nerve
- Visual field test to check peripheral vision
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure nerve fiber thickness
- Gonioscopy to examine the eye's drainage angle
Treatment options
- Eye drops to lower eye pressure — usually the first step, taken daily and typically lifelong
- Laser treatment to improve fluid drainage
- Surgery (such as trabeculectomy or a drainage device) when drops and laser aren't enough
- Regular monitoring, since treatment aims to preserve remaining vision rather than restore what is already lost
When to seek urgent care
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an eye emergency — sudden severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, or nausea and vomiting need immediate care to prevent rapid, permanent vision loss. The common open-angle form needs regular monitoring and steady adherence to treatment rather than emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
Can glaucoma be cured?
There is no cure, but with early detection and consistent treatment, further vision loss can usually be slowed or stopped.
Will I definitely go blind from glaucoma?
Most people diagnosed early who stick to their treatment keep useful vision for life. Risk of significant vision loss rises mainly with late diagnosis or inconsistent treatment.
If I have no symptoms, why should I get tested?
Because early damage has no symptoms — peripheral vision loss usually isn't noticed until it's significant. That's exactly why a regular eye exam after age 40, or earlier with a family history, matters.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma raises your own risk considerably, so close family members of someone with glaucoma should be examined regularly.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — What Is Glaucoma?, National Eye Institute — Glaucoma . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Content pending final medical review by BSEH doctors before publish.
← Eye Conditions