Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases that lead to damage of the optic nerve (the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain), which can then lead to vision loss and the possibility of blindness. Optic nerve damage usually occurs in the presence of high intraocular pressure, but contrary to popular belief glaucoma can occur with normal or even below normal eye pressure, and there are individuals with normal optic nerves who have higher than normal eye pressure.

Yes. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness that cannot be reversed. Therefore, it is important to have regular eye exams to see if you are at risk for developing this serious disease.

You are at risk for glaucoma if you:

• are 55 years or older,

• have a family history of glaucoma or a close relative with glaucoma,

• have a history of high pressure in your eyes,

• have had an eye injury or eye surgery,

• have taken steroids for long periods of time, and /or,

• have diabetes or high blood pressure

Even people who do not have these risk factors can get glaucoma 

Yes. Glaucoma can develop without increased eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is called low-tension or normal -tension glaucoma. It is not as common as open -angle glaucoma 

Glaucoma in its early stages is very hard to detect. People usually don't notice that they have glaucoma unless they have a great deal of damage to their optic nerve. In the later stages of the disease, the symptoms that can occur are:

• loss of side vision,

• an inability to adjust the eye to darkened rooms, 

• difficulty focusing on close work,

• rainbow colored rings or halos around lights, and /or, 

• a frequent need change eyeglass prescriptions.

There are two main forms of glaucoma: open- angle (which is the most common form affects approximately 95% of individuals) and closed- angle. There are also several other varieties of glaucoma,

Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

Visual Acuity test: This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.

Visual Field test: This test measures your side (peripheral) vision. It helps your eye care professional tell if you have lost side vision, a sign of glaucoma.

Dilated eye exam: Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.

Tonometry: An instrument (right) measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.

Pachymetry: A numbing drop is applied to your eye. Your eye care professional uses an ultrasonic wave instrument to measure the thickness of your cornea.

No. There is no cure for glaucoma. Vision lost from the disease cannot be restored.

Yes. Immediate treatment for early stage, open-angle glaucoma can delay progression of the disease. That's why early diagnosis is very important.

Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of any of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.

Medicines: Medicines in the form of eyedrops or pills are the most common early treatment for glaucoma. Some medicines cause the eye to make less fluid. Others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye.
Before you begin glaucoma treatment, tell your eye care professional about other medicine you may be taking. Sometimes the drops can interfere with the way other medicine work.
Glaucoma medicine may be taken several times a day. Most people have no problems. However, some medicines can cause headaches or other side effects. For example, drops may cause stinging burning and redness in the eyes.
Many drugs are available to treat glaucoma. If you have problems with one medicine, tell your eye care professional. Treatment with a different dose or a new drug may be possible. Regular use of medications is extremely important.

Laser trabeculoplasty: Laser trabeculoplasty helps fluid drain out of the eye. Your doctor may suggest this step at any time. In many cases you need to keep taking glaucoma drugs after this procedure.

Like any surgery, laser surgery can cause side effects, such as inflammation. Your doctor may give you some drops to take home for any soreness or inflammation inside the eye You need to make several follow-up or visits to have your eye pressure monitored.

Conventional Surgery: Conventional surgery makes a new opening for the fluid to leave the eye. Your doctor may suggest this treatment at any time. Conventional surgery often is done after medicines and laser surgery have failed to control pressure.

Conventional Surgery is about 60 to 80 percent effective at lowering eye pressure. If the new drainage opening narrows, a second operation may be needed. Conventional surgery works best if you have NOT had previous eye surgery, such as a cataract operation.

Conventional surgeries can cause side effects, including cataract, problems with the cornea, and inflammation or infection inside the eye. The buildup of fluid in the back of the eye may cause some patients to see shadows in their vision. If you have any these problems, tell your doctor so a treatment plan can be developed.

New research is focusing not only on lowering pressure inside the eye, but is also exploring medications that will protect and preserve the optic nerve from the damage that cause vision loss as well as the role of genetic factors.

Optic nerve damage due to glaucoma

Eye after glaucoma surgery.