Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which causes loss of peripheral vision initially, and can lead to tunnel vision and then blindness.

In most types of glaucoma, the nerve damage occurs slowly over a period of years and creates blind spots in peripheral vision.

Often glaucoma is associated with high pressure in the eye (diagram below) but can also be associated with normal eye pressure:

As the disease progresses, these blind spots enlarge and grow together. It is common for a person not to notice they are afflicted until the later stages of the disease when the central vision becomes affected. At this point severe and irreversible vision loss has occurred.

In a less common form of glaucoma, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, patients may experience sudden onset of a red, painful eye with blurred, steamy vision and seeing haloes or rainbows around lights. This is a Medical Emergency and requires immediate urgent treatment to lower the eye pressure and prevent blindness.

Risk Factors

  Age (more common after age 50)

  High Hyperopia (for acute glaucoma)

  Diabetes

  Myopia

  Family history

  Trauma to the eye

  Infections and inflammation

  Some medications

  Increased pressure in the eye

Treatment and Management

Most cases of glaucoma, if detected early, can be successfully controlled, provided the patient is compliant with using their medication and returning for regular monitoring and follow-up care.

  Eye drops used daily are often prescribed

  Oral medications (for acute glaucoma)

  Laser surgery

  Ocular microsurgery

  Glaucoma patients require lifelong monitoring

Prevention and Detection

  Visit your optometrist on an annual basis for a complete eye health assessment.

  Early detection and treatment can improve long-term outcomes.

  Automated testing including regular Visual Fields and HRT laser scanning are critical in detecting early glaucoma and key in monitoring change over time to prevent progression.