Glaucoma

Living well with glaucoma

Using your treatment, keeping appointments and knowing the driving rules help you protect your sight and stay safe.

Written by Neil Hyde Last checked 1 minute read

On this page
  1. Remembering your drops
  2. Driving
  3. Getting around
  4. Tell your family
  5. Support

Remembering your drops

  • link them to a daily habit, such as brushing your teeth
  • use a phone reminder
  • keep a spare bottle, and order repeats in good time

Driving

If you have glaucoma in both eyes, you must tell the DVLA if you drive a car. If you drive a lorry or bus, you must tell them if it affects either eye. You may need a field of vision test. You must also meet the eyesight standard for driving.

Getting around

Glaucoma can affect side vision, making it easier to bump into things or miss steps. Good lighting and contrast help. Your council's sensory team can offer mobility training if your sight gets worse.

Tell your family

Close relatives aged 40 and over should have regular eye tests, which are free for them.

Support

Glaucoma UK has a free helpline.

Sources we used

We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.