Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the main nerve connecting your eye to your brain. It's most common in people over 50 and can cause sight loss if not caught and treated early.

What Are the Signs?

Most people with glaucoma don't notice any symptoms at first. It develops very slowly over many years, which is why regular eye tests are so important.

However, sometimes glaucoma can come on suddenly and cause:

• Severe eye pain
• Red, sore eyes
• Seeing rainbow colours around bright lights
• Blurry vision
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Bad headache

Important: If you suddenly get these symptoms, call 999 or go straight to A&E. This is an emergency that needs immediate treatment. Don't drive yourself - ask someone else to drive you or call an ambulance.

How Is It Found?

Glaucoma is usually spotted during routine eye tests, often before you notice any problems with your sight. If an optometrist finds signs of glaucoma, they'll refer you to a specialist eye doctor for more tests.

Everyone should have their eyes tested at least every 2 years. You might need more frequent tests if glaucoma runs in your family - for example, if your parent, brother or sister has it.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma usually happens when pressure builds up inside your eye. This occurs when the fluid in your eye can't drain properly. The increased pressure damages the nerve that connects your eye to your brain.

Sometimes the eye pressure is normal, but the nerve still gets damaged. We don't always know why this happens.

You're more likely to develop glaucoma if you:

• Are over 50
• Have a close family member with glaucoma
• Are of Black African, Caribbean or Asian background
• Have other eye conditions like being short-sighted or long-sighted
• Have diabetes

How Is It Treated?

There's no cure for glaucoma, but treatments can slow down the damage and help stop your vision getting worse. Treatment might include:

• Eye drops - These reduce the amount of fluid in your eye and help it drain better
• Laser treatment - This also helps reduce fluid in the eye
• Surgery - There are several different operations available

You'll need regular follow-up appointments to check your eyes and make sure treatment is working. It's very important not to miss these appointments.

Living with Glaucoma

If glaucoma is found and treated early, it may not affect your vision much. However, some people do experience sight changes, and in rare cases, sight loss can occur.

Having glaucoma often means taking eye drops every day and attending regular eye clinic appointments. If you do have some sight loss, there are many practical ways to adapt and keep doing the things you enjoy.

Support groups and charities like Glaucoma UK and RNIB can provide helpful information and connect you with others who understand what you're going through.

When to Seek Help

Speak to your GP or optometrist if you have any concerns about your vision. Remember, regular eye tests are the best way to catch glaucoma early, when treatment is most effective.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.