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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. The most common form develops slowly and causes no symptoms for a long time; lost areas of vision do not return. Early detection and treatment can often slow further damage. Sudden severe eye pain with a red eye, blurred vision, coloured rings around lights, headache or nausea may be acute angle-closure glaucoma and needs immediate specialist eye assessment.

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  • Glaucoma is optic nerve damage that often develops slowly. Sight lost through it usually cannot be restored.
  • The usual chronic form causes no pain early on and often no noticeable limitation. Regular checks therefore matter for people at increased risk and everyone diagnosed with glaucoma.
  • Eye pressure often plays a part, but a high reading does not automatically mean glaucoma, and a normal reading does not rule it out.
  • Sudden severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos and nausea may indicate acute angle closure. This needs immediate emergency eye care.

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