what is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of related eye disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain.

In most cases, glaucoma is associated with higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye — a condition called ocular hypertension. But it can also occur when intraocular pressure (IOP) is normal. If untreated or uncontrolled, glaucoma first causes peripheral vision loss and eventually can lead to blindness.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of your condition

Open-angle glaucoma

Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyes
Tunnel vision in the advanced stages

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Severe headache
Eye pain
Nausea and vomiting
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Eye redness

Your Glaucoma work-up may include some or all of the following investigations at each visit:

Visual Acuity
IOP
Slit lamp examination
Gonioscopy
OCT of the Optic Nerve
Visual Field Testing

Treatment may include:

Regular Monitoring
IOP lowering eye drops
Laser
Referral for surgical options