Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and may result in vision loss and blindness. Multiple factors are important in causing glaucoma, but it is most commonly related to in an increase in pressure in the eye. Symptoms are generally absent until the condition has progressed to an advanced stage. Very occasionally, a rarer form of glaucoma can develop suddenly and symptoms may then include: headaches and aches around the affected eye, seeing halos around lights, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting.

You may be more likely to develop glaucoma if you:

• have someone else in your family with glaucoma
• already have high pressure in your eye
• have experienced injury to your eye
• have or have had certain other eye problems
• have migraine or circulation problems.

Glaucoma is more common in people over 50 years of age and more common in women than men. Diagnosis usually comes after consultation with an eye doctor. Signs of glaucoma may also be picked up at an optometrist’s eye examination.

The following tests are used to diagnose and monitor glaucoma:

• Tonometry – measures eye pressure. It is often the first screening test for glaucoma. The eyes are numbed with eye drops and then examined.
• Dilated eye exam - this is done with an ophthalmoscope (which is a medical instrument that allows the doctor to look through the pupil to the back of the eye).The retina and optic nerve are then examined for any sign of damage.
• Visual acuity test – test to check distance vision using an eye chart.
• Visual field test – test to measure side (peripheral) vision.
• Pachymetry – test to measure the thickness of the cornea.

Many other new instruments and techniques are emerging to help identify the likelihood of glaucoma and help determine its rate of progression. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early treatment can prevent further worsening of the condition and vision loss. Regular eye examinations will need to be continued life-long.

Treatment for glaucoma aims to decrease eye pressure and can include:

• medicated eye drops
• laser treatment - a laser is used to remove blockages in the eye’s drainage channels
• surgery - a new channel is created to allow fluid to drain.

Find details about the different treatment options here