Glaucoma

• What is glaucoma?

  Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness.
• How does glaucoma cause vision loss?

  It damages the optic nerve in the back of the eye.
• What is the most common type of glaucoma?

  The most common type is primary open angle glaucoma.
• How does primary open angle glaucoma develop?

  It tends to develop slowly over many years.
• What causes glaucoma?

  It is caused by drainage channels in the eye becoming gradually clogged.
• What are the initial symptoms of glaucoma?

  Glaucoma usually does not cause any symptoms initially.
• Which part of vision is affected first by glaucoma?

  It affects the edges of your vision (peripheral vision) first.
• How is glaucoma often detected?

  It is often picked up during a routine eye test.
• What are some symptoms that may indicate glaucoma?

  Symptoms may include blurred vision and seeing rainbow-colored circles around bright lights.
• Can glaucoma affect both eyes?

  Yes, both eyes are usually affected, although it may be worse in one eye.
• What are some rare symptoms of sudden glaucoma development?

  Rare symptoms include intense eye pain, nausea, vomiting, a red eye, headache, tenderness around the eyes, and blurred vision.
• What is the primary cause of most glaucoma cases?

  Most cases are caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye when fluid is unable to drain properly.
• What factors can increase the risk of developing glaucoma?

  Risk factors include age, ethnicity, family history, and other medical conditions.
• How often should you have a routine eye test?

  You should have a routine eye test at least every 2 years.
• What is an eye pressure test called?

  An eye pressure test is called tonometry.
• What does a gonioscopy examine?

  A gonioscopy examines the fluid-filled space between the iris and cornea.
• What does a visual field test check for?

  A visual field test checks for missing areas of vision.
• What is assessed during an optic nerve assessment?

  The health of the optic nerve is assessed during an optic nerve assessment.
• What treatments are available for glaucoma?

  Treatments include eye drops, laser treatment, and surgery.
• Can vision loss from glaucoma be reversed?

  No, it is not possible to reverse any loss of vision that occurred before diagnosis.
• Why is it important to monitor glaucoma treatment regularly?

  Regular appointments are needed to monitor the condition and check if the treatment is working.
• At what age is glaucoma most common?

  Glaucoma is most common in adults in their 70s and 80s.
• What happens if glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated early?

  It can lead to loss of vision.
• What is the role of regular eye tests in glaucoma?

  Regular eye tests can help pick up glaucoma as early as possible.
• What are the key symptoms of glaucoma?

  • Blurred vision
  • Rainbow-colored circles around bright lights
  • Intense eye pain (rare)
  • Nausea and vomiting (rare)
  • Red eye (rare)
  • Headache (rare)
  • Tenderness around the eyes (rare)
  • Seeing rings around lights (rare)
• What are the risk factors for developing glaucoma?

  • Age: more common as you get older
  • Ethnicity: higher risk for African, Caribbean, or Asian origin
  • Family history: higher likelihood if a parent or sibling has it
  • Other medical conditions: such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and diabetes
• What are the methods used to diagnose glaucoma?

  1. Eye pressure test (tonometry)
  2. Gonioscopy
  3. Visual field test (perimetry)
  4. Optic nerve assessment
• What are the treatment options for glaucoma?

  • Eye drops to reduce pressure
  • Laser treatment to open blocked drainage tubes
  • Surgery to improve fluid drainage