Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain, becomes damaged. It can lead to loss of vision if not detected and treated early on.
It usually occurs when the fluid in the eye (the aqueous humor) cannot drain properly, which increases the pressure inside the eye and puts pressure on the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a common condition, with 2% of people above the age of 40 suffering from the condition, but up to 50% of people won’t realise they have it because it doesn’t always cause symptoms in the early stages.
It can affect people of all ages, including babies and young children, but is most common in adults in their 70s and 80s.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma doesn’t usually have any symptoms to begin with and is often only picked up during a routine eye test. Many people don’t realise they have it because it develops slowly over many years, and tends to cause a loss of peripheral vision (the edge of your vision) at first.
Both eyes are usually affected, although it may be worse in one eye. Without treatment, it can eventually lead to blindness.
Very occasionally, glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause:
- intense eye pain
- a red eye
- a headache
- tenderness around the eyes
- seeing rings around lights
- blurred vision
Causes of glaucoma
Glaucoma is usually caused by a blockage in the part of the eye that allows fluid to drain from it. This can lead to a build-up of fluid and pressure in the eye and can damage the optic nerve.
It’s often unclear exactly what causes it, although there are some things that can increase your risk, including:
- your age – glaucoma becomes more likely as you get older and the most common type
affects around 1 in 10 people over 75 - your ethnicity – people of African, Caribbean or Asian origin are at a higher risk of glaucoma
- your family history – you’re more likely to develop glaucoma if you have a parent or sibling
with the condition
It’s not clear whether you can do anything to prevent glaucoma, but having regular eye tests will help ensure it’s picked up as early as possible.
Tests for glaucoma
Glaucoma can usually be detected during a routine eye test at an opticians, often before it causes any noticeable symptoms. You should have a routine eye test at least every two years.
Several quick and painless tests can be carried out to check for glaucoma, including measurements of the pressure inside your eye and tests of your peripheral vision.
If tests suggest you have glaucoma, you should be referred to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) to discuss treatment.
Treatments for glaucoma
It’s not possible to reverse any loss of vision that occurred before glaucoma was diagnosed, but treatment can help stop your vision getting any worse.
The treatment recommended for you will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, but the main treatments are:
- eye drops – to reduce the pressure in your eyes
- laser treatment – to open up the blocked drainage tubes in your eyes or reduce the
production of fluid in your eyes - surgery – to improve the drainage of aqueous fluid from your eyes, thereby reducing the eye pressure
You’ll also probably need regular appointments to monitor your condition and ensure treatment is working.
Outlook for glaucoma
The outlook for glaucoma largely depends on the type of glaucoma you have, but generally:
- it often results in some degree of permanent vision loss, although most people retain
useful vision for life - it may affect your ability to do certain tasks, such as driving
- only a small proportion of people will end up totally blind
The outlook is better the earlier glaucoma is diagnosed and treated.
This is why it’s so important to get your eyes tested regularly and to make sure you follow your recommended treatment plan.
