Glaucoma
Progressive damage to the optic nerve, usually linked to raised eye pressure, which silently narrows the field of vision. Lost sight cannot be recovered, so screening matters.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Open-angle: poor drainage through the trabecular meshwork
- Angle-closure: iris blocks drainage (can be acute)
Risk factors
- Age over 40
- Family history
- African ancestry (open-angle)
- East Asian ancestry and long-sightedness (angle-closure)
- High eye pressure
- Diabetes, myopia
- Steroid use
Symptoms
- Usually none until advanced
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Acute angle-closure: severe eye pain, red eye, blurred vision, halos, vomiting
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Eye pressure measurement
- Optic disc examination and OCT
- Visual field testing
- Gonioscopy
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Pressure-lowering eye drops (prostaglandin analogues such as latanoprost, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors)
Operations and procedures
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty
- Laser iridotomy for angle-closure
- Trabeculectomy or drainage devices
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Use drops every day as prescribed
- Regular eye checks
Possible complications
- Irreversible blindness
Prevention
- Regular eye tests from 40, earlier with family history
Outlook
Treatment prevents or slows further vision loss in most people.
When to see a doctor
Go to emergency care immediately for a sudden painful red eye with blurred vision.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.