Coping with... GLAUCOMA

This common eye condition is caused by increased pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve

- Dr. Gill Jenkins

Glaucoma is where the optic nerve, connecting the eye to the brain, becomes damaged, causing blindness if not diagnosed and treated early. It results from fluid building up in the front part of the eye, increasing pressure.

It can affect all ages, but is more common in over-70s. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common, which tends to develop slowly over many years. It’s caused by the drainage channels in the eye becoming gradually blocked.

Symptoms may not be noticed at first, but you may gradually notice the reduced peripheral vision. For most people, it may only be picked up on an eye test at the optician. You may notice blurred vision, or see rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights. Both eyes are usually affected, although it may be worse in one.

Most glaucoma is caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye when fluid is unable to drain properly, increasing pressure on the optic nerve. It’s not clear why this happens, but factors include age, a family history of glaucoma, ethnicity – people of African, Caribbean or Asian origin are at a higher risk – and other medical conditions.

Different types

A rarer type, acute angle-closure glaucoma, develops suddenly. This occurs where drainage in the eye becomes suddenly blocked, raising the pressure inside the eye very quickly. It causes intense eye pain, nausea and vomiting, headaches, a red tender eye, and blurred vision with rings around lights. This needs urgent treatment to prevent permanent blindness.