Glaucoma FAQs

What causes glaucoma?

Many cases of glaucoma occur when the fluid produced inside the eye does not drain normally. In a healthy eye, fluid passes through a space between the cornea and the iris called the anterior chamber and then exits the eye.

In people with open-angle glaucoma, fluid passes too slowly through the drainage angle. This causes a gradual buildup of fluid inside the eye, which leads to a rise in pressure. Eventually, increased intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve, causing vision loss.

In people with angle-closure glaucoma, the space where the iris and cornea meet is blocked and fluid cannot drain out of the eye at all. This causes an immediate buildup of fluid and a dangerous spike in intraocular pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Can I have glaucoma without increased intraocular pressure?

Yes.

Glaucoma is usually associated with increased intraocular pressure. However, not every person who gets glaucoma has increased intraocular pressure, and not every person with increased intraocular pressure gets glaucoma. Glaucoma is diagnosed based on whether optic nerve damage has occurred.

What does the optic nerve do?

The optic nerve transmits information from the eye to the brain. If it sustains damage, the quality and quantity of information the brain gets from the eye is compromised and vision is lost.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

With open-angle glaucoma, there are usually no noticeable symptoms or signs until vision loss has occurred. Usually peripheral vision is the first to be lost. Regular eye exams are the best way to detect increases in intraocular pressure.

Angle-closure glaucoma causes symptoms such as severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches and noticeable rings or halos around lights.

Who is at increased risk for glaucoma?

Risk factors for glaucoma include the following:

• Being over the age of 60
• African or Asian descent
• Family history of glaucoma
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• History of extensive steroid use
• History of eye trauma

If you are at increased risk of getting glaucoma, it is recommended you have routine eye exams to catch any signs of a problem early.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Glaucoma is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam and several simple, painless tests. Tonometry is a common test that measures the internal pressure of the eye. The optic nerve is also examined for damage.

Can glaucoma be cured?

Currently there is no cure for glaucoma, and vision lost to the disease cannot be restored. However, proper medical care can halt the progression of the disease and prevent further vision loss.

If I have been diagnosed with glaucoma, what can I do to save my vision?

The best ways to protect your vision are to take any glaucoma medications as directed and see your eye doctor regularly for dilated eye exams. Managing any serious medical conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure problems is useful for keeping glaucoma under control.

Also, making sensible lifestyle choices is recommended to promote ocular and overall health. This includes eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, not smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.