Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage your optic nerve, which is the nerve that carries images from your eye to your brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and even blindness.

Glaucoma is more common in individuals over 40, with a hereditary tendency in some families. Primary open-angle glaucoma poses a higher risk, and there's an increased likelihood with diabetes, high blood pressure, and eye injuries.

Primary open-angle glaucoma often develops gradually without early warning signs, making regular optometric examinations crucial. Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma may include nausea, eye pain, red eyes, blurred vision, and haloes around lights.

The exact cause is unknown, but it involves overproduction of eye fluid or blockages in drainage passages, resulting in increased pressure and potential damage to the optic nerve. Factors like injury, infection, or tumors can also contribute to elevated pressure.

Yes, as increased pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to a gradual loss of vision that cannot be restored.

Treatment usually starts with eye drops, and surgery may be used in combination to preserve remaining vision. Once vision is lost due to glaucoma, it cannot be restored, emphasizing the importance of regular preventive eye exams.