FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we are asked about glaucoma.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. The most common form of the disease is open-angle glaucoma. With early treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.

What is the optic nerve?

The optic nerve is a bundle of more than one million nerve fibers.  It connects the retina to the brain.

What is open-angle glaucoma?

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. In the normal eye, the clear fluid leaves the anterior chamber at the open angle where the cornea and iris meet. When the fluid reaches the angle, it flows through a spongy meshwork, like a drain, and leaves the eye. Sometimes, when the fluid reaches the angle, it passes too slowly through the meshwork drain, causing the pressure inside the eye to build.  If the pressure damages the optic nerve, open-angle glaucoma – and vision loss – may result.

Does increased eye pressure mean that I have glaucoma?

Not necessarily.  Increased eye pressure means you are at risk for glaucoma, but does not mean you have the disease.  A person will only be diagnosed with glaucoma if the optic nerve is damaged.  If you have increased eye pressure but no damage to the optic nerve, you do not have glaucoma, however, you should be regularly monitored.  Follow the advice of your eye care professional. 

Will I develop glaucoma if I have increased eye pressure?

Not necessarily. Not every person with increased eye pressure will develop glaucoma.  Some people can tolerate higher eye pressure better than others. Also, a certain level of eye pressure may be high for one person but normal for another.

Can I develop glaucoma without an increase in my eye pressure?

Yes. Glaucoma can develop without increased eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is called normal-tension glaucoma.  It is a form of open-angle glaucoma.

Who is at risk for open-angle glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma. Some people are at higher risk than others. They include people:

• With a family history of glaucoma
• Over 40 years of age
• With diabetes or high blood pressure
• Who suffer from migraines; Raynauds phenomenon, heart attack or stroke
• Who are short sighted
• Who have suffered a previous eye injury
• Who use or have used steroids

How can I prevent the disease from occurring?

At this time, we do not know how to prevent glaucoma.  However, studies have shown that the early detection and treatment of glaucoma, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease.  So, if you fall into one of the high-risk groups for the disease, make sure you have your eyes examined through dilated pupils every two years by an eye care professional.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

At first, open-angle glaucoma has no symptoms.  It causes no pain.  Vision seems normal.

Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral, or side vision.  They will feel as if they are looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains.

How is glaucoma detected?

Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, visual field test, dilated eye exam, tonometry, and pachymetry.

Can glaucoma be cured?

No. There is no cure for glaucoma, but appropriate treatment and regular monitoring will usually minimize vision loss. Vision lost from the disease cannot be restored.

Can glaucoma be treated?

Yes. Immediate treatment for early stage, open-angle glaucoma can delay progression of the disease.  That’s why early diagnosis is very important.  Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser surgery, conventional glaucoma surgery, or a combination of any of these.  While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.

What can I do to protect my vision?

If you are taking medicines for glaucoma, be sure to take them every day as directed by your eye care professional.  People at risk for glaucoma should have a dilated eye exam at least every two years. If you have been diagnosed, you may need to see your eye care professional more often.

What can I do if I have already lost some vision from glaucoma?

If you have lost some sight from glaucoma, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision. In most cases, slight vision loss will not be noticeable.

If you have experienced significant vision loss, ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. Many community organisations and agencies offer information about low vision counselling, training, and other special services for people with visual impairments.  A nearby school of medicine or optometry may provide low vision services.

What should I do for a family member or friend who may be at risk of glaucoma?

Encourage them to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years.  Remember – lowering eye pressure in the early stage of glaucoma slows progression of the disease and helps save vision.