Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye causes changes in peripheral vision initially, before affecting your central vision. In the early stages, glaucoma has no symptoms but if left undetected, can lead to blindness.
What causes glaucoma?
The pressure inside the eye can increase if there is too much fluid being produced, or it is being drained too slowly. High pressure can damage the optic nerve. A sudden onset of very high pressure could damage the nerve immediately (acute glaucoma). Gradual increases in pressure can cause damage more slowly, leading to a reduction in sight if left untreated. Sometimes people can also develop glaucoma despite having normal pressure.
What is the treatment for glaucoma?
Usually, the treatment for glaucoma is with eyedrops to control the eye pressure reducing the risk of further optic nerve damage. Occasionally surgery or laser treatments may be required.
How is glaucoma detected?
Optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma is not reversible. Since glaucoma is usually asymptomatic in the early stages, it is normally picked up at routine eye examinations. It is especially important that people with close family members (parents/siblings) who have glaucoma are screened at least every two years.
Screening for glaucoma requires an optic nerve assessment, peripheral vision screening and pressure check. Your optometrist may also recommend an 3D OCT scan of the optic nerve.
Risk Factors:
Age – glaucoma risk increases with age
Family history – risk increases 6-9x if a close relative has the condition
Race – people of African origin are at higher risk
Poor circulation – reduced blood flow to the optic nerve makes it vulnerable to low pressure glaucoma
Diabetes
Short sightedness (Myopia) - increases risk of gradual/chronic glaucoma
Long sightedness (Hypermetropia) - increases risk of acute glaucoma
Medication – including steroids
Trauma
For further information, please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/