Glaucoma

Illustration to show what Glaucoma could look like. With only the centre inside the oval eye shape in white to demonstrate loss of peripheral vision.

Glaucoma describes a range of eye conditions in which the fluid in your eye is not draining properly which can cause a fluctuation in eye pressure. This fluctuation can cause damage to your optic nerve.

In the early stages of the eye condition there is no associated pain or changes in vision. Symptoms can depend on the form of Glaucoma which can include pain, vision appears distorted, loss of peripheral vision and colours appearing duller.

As initially the condition can be asymptomatic many people are not aware that they have the condition or that damage is being done therefore, it is important to attend regular eye health checks which will increase chances of early detection and treatment.

There is no cure for the eye condition but for the majority of patients with Glaucoma the condition is managed with eye drops which aim to achieve a more normal and stable eye pressure. For some patients where eye drops have not been successful in achieving the correct eye pressure a surgical procedure called a Trabeculectomy can be performed.

For more information and support visit the Glaucoma UK website here