Glaucoma is a common eye condition which can affect your vision if it's not diagnosed and treated early enough.
In glaucoma, the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. This is usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye.
Who does glaucoma affect?
The condition can affect people of all ages, but is most common in the over-70s.
Symptoms
Many people do not realise they have glaucoma as it develops very slowly, and symptoms often take a long time to develop.
Initial symptoms may include:
- blurred vision
- seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights
Sometimes glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause any of these additional symptoms:
- Intense eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Red eyes
- A headache
- Tenderness around the eyes
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Glaucoma can usually be detected during a routine eye test carried out by an optometrist at an opticians. You should have a routine eye test at least once every two years.
The initial tests are quick and painless, and include vision tests and measurements of the pressure inside your eye.
If these tests show that glaucoma may be present, the optometrist may refer you to a specialist eye doctor (an ophthalmologist) for further tests and potential treatment.
When to get medical help
If you have any concerns about your vision, and you're not already an ophthalmology patient at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB), please see your GP or an optician.
In an emergency
Please our page on what to do in an emergency if you suddenly develop symptoms, or if you're already a patient at UHB.
Your family
Glaucoma can run in families. If you're diagnosed with glaucoma, it's important to tell close relatives, e.g. parents, brothers and sisters, and cousins. They should arrange to have a simple glaucoma check by an optician once a year to check for the condition.
As glaucoma is more common in the over-40s, if you have glaucoma and you have children, they should get checked regularly by an optician from the age of 40.
Further information
For detailed information on glaucoma, including symptoms, diagnosis, testing and treatment, please see the NHS website.
Last reviewed 05 September 2024