Glaucoma does not usually have symptoms and most people do not realise they have it. It develops slowly over many years and is usually picked up during routine eye tests.
Glaucoma usually affects both eyes, but it may be worse in 1 eye.
Sometimes glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause symptoms such as:
- intense eye pain
- a red eye
- tenderness around the eyes
- seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights
- blurred vision
- feeling sick (nausea) and being sick
- a headache
Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, including uveitis and an eye injury.
See a GP or optician if:
- you have any concerns about your vision
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you develop symptoms of glaucoma suddenly
This is a medical emergency that may require immediate treatment.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Glaucoma is usually found during a routine eye test, often before it causes any symptoms.
If you're told you have glaucoma, you should be referred to a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for further tests.
Regular eye tests
Everyone should have regular eye tests, at least every 2 years.
If you're at a higher risk of glaucoma – for example if you have a brother, sister or parent with it – you may be advised to have eye tests more often.
You can get an eye test at a local opticians, and the tests are carried out by an optometrist.
Some people can receive free eye tests on the NHS.
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There's currently no cure for glaucoma, but there are treatments that can slow down the damage and help stop your vision getting worse.
The treatment you'll have depends on how your sight is affected and the type of glaucoma you have.
Treatment may include:
- eye drops – to decrease the amount of fluid in the eye and help it drain
- laser treatment – to decrease the amount of fluid in the eye
- surgery – there are several different types of operation to treat glaucoma
You'll have follow-up appointments to monitor your eyes and check that treatment is working. It's important not to miss any of these appointments.
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Glaucoma is usually caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye. This happens when the fluid in your eye cannot drain as it should.
This increase in pressure damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain (optic nerve).
Sometimes the pressure in the eye is in the normal range but damage is still caused to the optic nerve.
It's not always known why this happens, but your risk may be higher if:
- you're over 50 years old
- you have a brother, sister or parent with glaucoma
- you're from a Black African, Caribbean or Asian background
- you have other medical conditions – such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness or diabetes
There are several different types of glaucoma.
These can include:
- primary glaucoma – this is the most common type, which usually develops slowly over many years
- secondary glaucoma – usually caused by another condition or eye injury
- childhood glaucoma – a rare type that affects young children
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If you have glaucoma, it's normal to worry about how much your vision might change and how you will manage if it does.
If glaucoma is diagnosed and treated early, it may not change your vision much. But sometimes your sight is affected, and in rare cases you may lose your sight.
Your specialist eye doctor will advise you on how it may affect your sight, and how to live as independently as you can.
Having glaucoma may mean you need to do things to prevent it from getting worse. For many people this includes using eye drops daily and attending regular eye clinic appointments.
If you do have some sight loss, it can be difficult to come to terms with. You might find it helpful to contact a support group for people with sight loss.
There are also lots of practical ways you can adapt your lifestyle to make it safer and easier for you to keep doing things you enjoy.
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As well as support from your doctor and specialist eye doctor, you may find it helpful to get support from other people with glaucoma, either at a local support group or online.
There are national charities that can offer support and information about glaucoma and living with sight loss.
Glaucoma UK
Information and support for anyone affected by glaucoma
- Website: www.glaucoma.uk
- Helpline: 01233 64 81 70
- forum (Glaucoma UK)
- support groups (Glaucoma UK)
- buddy scheme (Glaucoma UK)
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Information and support for blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers.
- Website: www.rnib.org.uk
- Helpline: 0303 123 9999
- sight loss counselling (RNIB)
- Connect Facebook groups (RNIB)
