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Glaucoma
Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, usually from raised pressure inside the eye. It can slowly steal side vision without warning, so regular checks matter.
Causes & risk factors
- Raised pressure inside the eye
- Increasing age
- Family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
- Long-term steroid use
- Previous eye injury
Common symptoms
- Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye pain or headache (in acute cases)
- Nausea with severe eye pain (acute attack)
- Often no symptoms in early stages
Tests & diagnosis
- Eye pressure test (tonometry)
- Visual field test
- Optic nerve examination
- OCT scan of the optic nerve
- Gonioscopy
Treatment & management
- Pressure-lowering eye drops (long-term)
- Laser treatment to improve fluid drainage
- Surgery to lower eye pressure in some cases
- Regular monitoring of pressure and vision
- Treating underlying diabetes or blood pressure
When to see a doctor urgently
- Sudden severe eye pain with redness and nausea (emergency)
- Sudden loss of vision or halos around lights
- A family history — get regular screening
- Any noticeable loss of side vision
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about glaucoma. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can lost vision from glaucoma be restored?
No, vision already lost cannot be recovered, which is why early detection and treatment to prevent further damage are so important.
Who should be screened for glaucoma?
People over 40, those with a family history, diabetics and anyone with high eye pressure should have regular eye checks, as early glaucoma has no symptoms.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.