» Why Is Glaucoma Dangerous?

Glaucoma causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
Once vision is lost due to glaucoma, it cannot be restored.

• Vision loss usually starts from the side (peripheral vision)

• Central vision is affected in late stages

• Many patients realise the problem only when damage is advanced

Early diagnosis is the only way to protect vision.

» Common Causes & Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk of developing glaucoma if you have:

• Age above 40 years

• Family history of glaucoma

• High eye pressure

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Long-term steroid use

• High minus power (myopia)

• Eye injury or previous eye surgery

Some people develop glaucoma without any known risk factors, making regular eye check-ups essential.

» Types of Glaucoma

‣ Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

• Most common type

• Develops slowly over years

• No early symptoms

• Gradual loss of side vision

‣ Angle-Closure Glaucoma

• Sudden rise in eye pressure

• Severe eye pain, headache, nausea

• Red eye and blurred vision

• Medical emergency

‣ Normal-Tension Glaucoma

• Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure

• Often linked to poor blood flow to the optic nerve

‣ Secondary Glaucoma

• Occurs due to other eye conditions, injury, surgery, inflammation, or medications

‣ Congenital (Childhood) Glaucoma

• Present at birth or early childhood

• Enlarged eyes, excessive tearing, light sensitivity

» Symptoms of Glaucoma

In many cases, there are no early warning signs.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision

• Tunnel vision in advanced stages

• Blurred vision

• Eye pain or redness (acute cases)

• Headache, nausea (angle-closure glaucoma)

» Who Should Get Screened for Glaucoma?

Regular eye screening is strongly recommended for:

• People above 40 years

• Those with family history of glaucoma

• Diabetic and hypertensive patients

• Long-term steroid users

• Patients with high eye pressure

Eye exams every 1–2 years can help detect glaucoma early.

» How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Glaucoma diagnosis involves a detailed eye examination, including:

• Measurement of eye pressure

• Optic nerve evaluation

• Visual field testing

• Retinal nerve fibre analysis

Early diagnosis helps slow disease progression and preserve vision.

» Living With Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a lifelong condition that requires:

• Regular eye check-ups

• Continuous monitoring

• Strict adherence to medical advice

With early diagnosis and proper care, many patients maintain useful vision throughout life.

» When Should You See an Eye Doctor Immediately?

Seek urgent eye care if you experience:

• Sudden eye pain

• Red eye with blurred vision

• Severe headache with eye symptoms

• Rapid vision loss

These may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency.