Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision, and is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. The increased pressure, known as intraocular pressure, can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. If the damage continues, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or even total blindness within a few years. Most types of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage. Because vision loss due to glaucoma can’t be recovered, it’s important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure so a diagnosis can be made in its early stages and treated appropriately. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have the condition, you’ll generally need treatment for the rest of your life. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. However, blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.