Diseases
glaucoma
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It's usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it's not diagnosed and treated early.
Symptoms
- no symptoms in early stages
- gradually, patchy blind spots in your side vision
- severe headache
- blurred vision
- severe eye pain
Causes
- glaucoma develops when the optic nerve becomes damaged. as this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your vision.
- elevated eye pressure happens as the result of a buildup of fluid that flows throughout the inside of the eye.
Risk factors
- high internal eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure
- age over 55
- black, asian or hispanic heritage
Diagnosis
- measuring intraocular pressure, also called tonometry
- testing for optic nerve damage with a dilated eye examination and imaging tests
- checking for areas of vision loss, also known as a visual field test
- measuring corneal thickness with an exam called pachymetry
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It's usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it's not diagnosed and treated early.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
no symptoms in early stages, gradually, patchy blind spots in your side vision, severe headache, blurred vision, severe eye pain
What causes glaucoma?
glaucoma develops when the optic nerve becomes damaged. as this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your vision.; elevated eye pressure happens as the result of a buildup of fluid that flows throughout the inside of the eye.
Which medicines are used for glaucoma?
acetazolamide, betaxolol, bimatoprost, brimonidine, brinzolamide, latanoprost, levobunolol, mannitol, travoprost
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