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Glaucoma Explained — Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Tips

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage your optic nerve. The optic nerve sends images from your eye to your brain. Often, glaucoma is linked to high eye pressure. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss or even blindness. However, early detection and treatment can help protect your sight. According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Common Symptoms of Glaucoma

Many people with glaucoma do not notice symptoms at first. In fact, the disease can develop slowly. But as it gets worse, you may notice changes in your vision. Watch for these common glaucoma symptoms:

  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of side (peripheral) vision
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Eye pain or pressure
  • Redness in the eye
  • Nausea or vomiting (with severe eye pain)

    • If you notice any of these signs, you should see an eye doctor right away. Early treatment can help prevent further damage.

    Causes and Risk Factors

    Glaucoma often happens when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This extra fluid increases eye pressure and can harm the optic nerve. But sometimes, glaucoma can occur even with normal eye pressure. Several factors can raise your risk of glaucoma:

  • Age over 40
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • High eye pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Severe eye injury
  • Long-term use of steroid medicines
  • Being of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent

    • Because these risk factors can add up, it is important to get regular eye exams, especially as you get older.

    How Glaucoma is Diagnosed

    Eye doctors use several tests to check for glaucoma. Usually, they will:

  • Measure your eye pressure (tonometry)
  • Check your side vision (visual field test)
  • Look at your optic nerve (using special lenses)
  • Measure the thickness of your cornea

    • Because glaucoma can develop without symptoms, regular eye exams are key. Early diagnosis can help save your vision.

    Treatment Options for Glaucoma

    There are several glaucoma treatment options. The main goal is to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage. Your doctor may suggest:

  • Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure
  • Oral medicines if drops are not enough
  • Laser treatment to help fluid drain from the eye
  • Surgery to create a new drainage path

    • Although treatment cannot restore lost vision, it can help stop more loss. You should always follow your doctor’s advice and take medicines as directed.

    Lifestyle Tips and Prevention

    While you cannot always prevent glaucoma, some steps may help lower your risk. For example:

  • Get regular eye exams, especially if you have risk factors
  • Protect your eyes from injury by wearing safety glasses
  • Manage health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Exercise regularly, but avoid activities that raise eye pressure
  • Take prescribed eye drops as directed

    • Because early action matters, these steps can help protect your vision.

    When to See an Eye Specialist

    If you notice any changes in your vision, do not wait. See an eye specialist right away. Also, if you have risk factors for glaucoma, schedule regular eye exams. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss. Remember, only an eye doctor can diagnose and treat glaucoma properly.

    For personalized advice about glaucoma, consult an eye specialist.