Glaucoma is often called “the silent thief of sight.” The most common form of this disease often causes no symptoms until you have begun to lose vision. There are other forms of glaucoma, including a type that is painful and happens suddenly. But for most people, a regular eye examination is an important way to check for signs of this disease.

What happens in glaucoma?

Your eye contains fluid, and pressure from this fluid sometimes builds up. It can happen as you get older or if something blocks the small area where fluid normally drains. Pressure damages the nerve that runs from your eye to your brain, called the optic nerve. A damaged optic nerve does not send complete signals about what you see, so you no longer have good vision.

A few people have optic nerves that become damaged even though pressure inside the eye seems normal. Their optic nerves may be more sensitive to pressure than other people’s.

Can glaucoma be treated?

Yes. Eye drops, surgery, and laser treatment are all treatments for glaucoma. You might have one or more of these depending on the type of glaucoma you have and how severe it is.

How your eye doctor can help

Seeing your eye doctor regularly is very important to prevent glaucoma or find it early. At Lyons Eye, we are very experienced at finding and treating glaucoma and helping patients find the right treatment.

If you have glaucoma, you need regular eye examinations and tests to learn how well your treatment is working and if the disease is affecting your vision. 

Find complete glaucoma information for patients at the American Academy of Ophthalmology.