Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital to good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. Congenital glaucoma is usually noticed when a child is only a few months old.

The most common form of glaucoma has no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage.

One type of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency. You need treatment right away to save your vision.

Vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be recovered. It is important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have the condition, you will generally need treatment for the rest of your life, which may include medications, surgeries, or other therapies.

Glaucoma is the result of damage to the optic nerve. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your visual field. This nerve damage is usually related to increased pressure in the eye.

Elevated eye pressure is due to a buildup of a fluid (aqueous humor) that flows throughout your eye. This fluid normally drains into the front of the eye (anterior chamber) through tissue at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. When fluid is overproduced or the drainage system does not work properly, the fluid cannot flow out at its normal rate and pressure builds up.

Glaucoma tends to run in families. In some people, scientists have identified genes related to high eye pressure and optic nerve damage.

Have regular eye exams, since the common form of glaucoma has no early symptoms and vision loss is permanent. Seek emergency eye care for sudden eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, or halos around lights.