Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It is often linked to a build-up of pressure in the eye. Around 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, and many do not know.
Symptoms
The most common type, open angle glaucoma, develops slowly. It usually has no symptoms at first. It first affects the edges of your sight (peripheral vision), and the brain fills in the gaps, so you may not notice until a lot of sight is lost.
Who is at risk?
- people over 40
- people with a close relative with glaucoma
- people of African, Caribbean or Asian family origin
- people with diabetes or who are very short-sighted
Getting diagnosed
Glaucoma is often found during a routine eye test at an optician. Tests include measuring eye pressure, checking the optic nerve and testing your field of vision. You will be referred to an eye clinic if glaucoma is suspected.
Read about glaucoma treatment.
Common questions
Can I get free eye tests if glaucoma runs in my family?
Yes. In England and Wales, NHS sight tests are free if you are 40 or over and your parent, brother, sister or child has glaucoma, or if you have been told you are at risk of glaucoma by an eye doctor.
Can sight lost to glaucoma come back?
No. Treatment cannot restore lost sight, but it can stop or slow further damage. That is why regular eye tests and using your eye drops matter.
Sources we used
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