about Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common eye condition that can impair vision and result in permanent blindness. Glaucoma is most commonly caused by fluid accumulation in the front of the eye. The pressure in the eye rises, causing damage to the optic nerve, which sends signals from the eye to the brain.
Silent Thief of Sight
Unfortunately, most glaucoma patients do not have any symptoms until the disease is quite advanced. This is because, in most glaucoma patients, the eye pressure (while high) is not high enough to cause eye pain or redness. Furthermore, the majority of glaucoma patients only experience peripheral vision loss, with central vision typically affected only later in the disease's progression.
Who is at risk of glaucoma?
You are at risk of glaucoma if you are:
- 60 years old or over
- Have a positive family history of glaucoma
- Have reduced corneal thickness
- Very short-sighted or very long sighted
- Have had prolonged use of steroid eye drops
