Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss or blindness. The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, often develops slowly and may cause no noticeable symptoms at first. Early detection matters because treatment can slow or stop further damage, but it cannot restore optic-nerve damage that has already occurred.
The National Eye Institute notes that glaucoma often begins without symptoms. Peripheral vision may decline gradually, so a person can feel that vision is “fine” while damage is progressing. That is why symptom-based screening is not enough.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but risk increases in certain groups. NEI identifies higher risk among people over age 60, African American adults over age 40 and people with a family history of glaucoma. Other clinical factors, including eye pressure, corneal characteristics and medical history, can also influence an individual assessment.
A comprehensive dilated eye exam can include measurement of visual acuity and eye pressure, examination of the optic nerve and retina through dilated pupils and visual field testing. Depending on findings, clinicians may use additional imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to document optic-nerve and retinal nerve-fiber-layer structure.
Eye pressure is important but is not the whole diagnosis. Some people with elevated pressure never develop glaucoma, while others develop glaucoma at pressure levels considered statistically normal. The optic nerve and visual field must be assessed in context.
Treatment aims to lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of further optic-nerve damage. Options can include prescription eye drops, laser procedures and surgery. The treatment selected depends on glaucoma type, disease severity, pressure target, other eye conditions and how the patient responds.
Sudden intense eye pain, red eye, blurred vision and nausea can occur with acute angle-closure glaucoma. NEI advises immediate medical care for these symptoms. This is different from the slow, usually symptom-free course of typical open-angle glaucoma.
OCT can provide cross-sectional measurements of retinal and optic-nerve structures and is commonly used in glaucoma evaluation and monitoring. Widefield retinal imaging, including systems such as Optos, can document peripheral retinal findings, but it does not replace all components of a comprehensive dilated examination. Whether Eye Gallery’s independent optometrist offers OCT or Optos should be verified before the page claims those services.
Glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss before symptoms are obvious. A comprehensive dilated eye exam, including evaluation of the optic nerve and visual field, is the key way to detect glaucoma. Eye pressure alone cannot confirm or rule out the disease.
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Can you have glaucoma with normal eye pressure?
Yes. NEI notes that some people develop glaucoma even when their eye pressure is within a range considered normal.
Can high eye pressure mean I definitely have glaucoma?
No. High eye pressure increases risk, but some people with elevated pressure do not develop optic-nerve damage.
Can glaucoma be cured?
There is no cure for glaucoma, but treatment can often slow or stop additional damage and help protect remaining vision.
What are the first symptoms of glaucoma?
The most common open-angle glaucoma often has no early symptoms. Gradual peripheral vision loss may occur later.
When is glaucoma an emergency?
Sudden severe eye pain, a red eye, blurred vision and nausea can signal acute angle closure and require immediate medical evaluation.
