Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name for a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve head of the eye. The eye has a drainage system in which a clear fluid regularly flows in and out the anterior chamber of the eye, nourishing the tissue and controlling the pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). In the most common form of glaucoma (open angle glaucoma) the drain is blocked and the fluid cannot flow out. The build-up of fluid causes the pressure in the eye to raise and can damage the optic nerve.

This form of Glaucoma is painless. Patients experience in general a poor navigational vision (the vision required to be able to move around), which means they tend to bump into things despite a good central vision.

If left untreated, glaucoma damages the optic nerve resulting in a progressive and permanent loss of vision. However, if diagnosed and treated early with eye drops, tablets or surgery to lower and control the intraocular pressure, it is possible to preserve the vision.

Glaucoma affects up to 5% of people over 65 and often runs in the family.