Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. This nerve sends signals from your eye to your brain, helping you see. Often, glaucoma develops slowly and may not show early signs. Because of this, many people do not know they have it until vision loss begins. Early awareness of glaucoma is important. It can help protect your eyesight and prevent permanent damage.

Common Symptoms of Glaucoma

At first, glaucoma may not cause any symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, you might notice changes in your vision. Knowing the signs can help you seek care sooner. Some common glaucoma symptoms include:

Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision

Blurred or hazy vision

Seeing halos around lights

Eye pain or pressure

Redness in the eye

Nausea or vomiting (in severe cases)

Because symptoms can be mild at first, regular eye exams are important. Early detection of glaucoma can help prevent vision loss.

Causes and Risk Factors

Glaucoma often happens when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This extra fluid increases pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. There are several causes and risk factors for glaucoma. Some of the most common include:

Family history of glaucoma

Age over 40 years

High eye pressure (intraocular pressure)

Diabetes or high blood pressure

Thin corneas

Previous eye injuries

Use of steroid medicines

Being of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent

While anyone can get glaucoma, these factors may increase your risk. Therefore, knowing your risk can help you take steps to protect your vision.

How Glaucoma is Diagnosed

Doctors use several tests to check for glaucoma. Early diagnosis is key to saving your sight. During an eye exam, your eye specialist may:

Measure eye pressure (tonometry)

Check the optic nerve for damage

Test your side vision (visual field test)

Measure the thickness of your cornea

Examine the drainage angle in your eye

These tests are quick and painless. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch glaucoma early, even before symptoms appear.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatment can help slow or stop vision loss. Your doctor will choose the best plan for you. Common glaucoma treatment options include:

Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure

Oral medicines (pills) if drops are not enough

Laser therapy to improve fluid drainage

Surgery to create a new drainage path

With early treatment, many people can keep their vision. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice and use your medicines as directed.

Lifestyle Tips and Prevention

While you cannot always prevent glaucoma, healthy habits can lower your risk. Here are some tips to help protect your eyes:

Get regular eye exams, especially if you have risk factors

Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure

Exercise regularly, but avoid activities that raise eye pressure

Protect your eyes from injury

Take medicines as prescribed

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables

By following these steps, you can help keep your eyes healthy. Early action is the best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma.

When to See an Eye Specialist

If you notice any changes in your vision, don’t delay seeking medical help. Sudden eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or vision loss may signal glaucoma or another serious eye condition. Even if you have no symptoms, regular eye exams are crucial — especially for those over 40 or with risk factors like diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. Early detection and treatment can help preserve your vision and prevent permanent damage.

For personalised glaucoma screening and expert eye care, consult Dr. Sudha, who provides advanced diagnostic evaluations and tailored treatment to protect your eyesight.