Glaucoma
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Damage to the optic nerve
- Most common in adults over 50
- Often has no early symptoms
- Can cause vision loss if untreated
Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition where the nerve connecting your eye to your brain, called the optic nerve, gets damaged. This damage often happens because of a build-up of pressure inside your eye, which occurs when fluid cannot drain properly. Most people don't notice symptoms in the early stages, as it develops slowly over many years. Regular eye tests are crucial for early detection. While there's no cure, various treatments can slow down the damage and help prevent further vision loss.
Signs and Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms in early stages
- Intense eye pain (sudden onset)
- Red eye (sudden onset)
- Rainbow circles around bright lights (sudden onset)
- Blurred vision (sudden onset)
- Feeling sick and vomiting (sudden onset)
- Headache (sudden onset)
Things That Increase the Risk
- Being over 50 years old
- Family history of glaucoma (parent, sibling)
- Black African, Caribbean, or Asian background
- Short-sightedness (myopia)
- Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
- Diabetes
Diagnosis
- Routine eye tests
- Referral to a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist)
- Further specialized eye tests
Treatment & Management
- Eye drops to reduce eye fluid
- Laser treatment to decrease eye fluid
- Various types of surgery
- Regular follow-up appointments
Prevention
- Regular eye tests, at least every 2 years
- More frequent eye tests if at higher risk (e.g., family history)
- Early diagnosis to slow vision damage
- Adhering to prescribed treatments
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Glaucoma:
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Glaucoma:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Optic nerve, adults over 50
Prevalence
Most common in adults 50+
Diagnosis
Routine eye tests
Treatment
Eye drops, laser, surgery
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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