Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the nerve at the back of the eye is damaged, usually because of high pressure inside the eye. The most common type has no pain and no early symptoms, and side vision is lost slowly. Lost vision cannot be brought back, but treatment can stop or slow further loss. A sudden painful red eye with blurred vision can be acute glaucoma, which is an emergency.
Symptoms
Often no symptoms in the early stages
Slow loss of side (peripheral) vision, noticed late
Bumping into things or missing steps
Acute glaucoma: sudden severe eye pain and headache
Acute glaucoma: red eye, blurred vision, coloured rings around lights, nausea and vomiting
Causes
Raised pressure inside the eye
Age over 40
Family history of glaucoma
Long use of steroid eye drops or tablets
Diabetes, high blood pressure or severe short-sightedness
Previous eye injury
Prevention
Have an eye pressure check every 1 to 2 years after age 40, sooner if glaucoma runs in your family
Do not use steroid eye drops without a doctor's advice and follow-up
Protect eyes from injury
Control diabetes and blood pressure
Treatment
Eye drops used every day, usually for life, to lower eye pressure
Laser treatment or surgery when drops are not enough
Acute glaucoma needs emergency treatment in hospital to save sight
Regular check-ups to measure pressure and side vision
Never stop glaucoma drops on your own because you feel no difference
Common questions
Can glaucoma be cured?
It cannot be cured and lost vision does not return, but daily treatment can protect the sight you still have for the rest of your life.
Why is using steroid eye drops for red eyes risky?
Steroid drops used for weeks without checks can raise eye pressure and cause glaucoma or cataract, and they can worsen some infections. Use them only when a doctor prescribes and monitors them.
