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Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can slowly damage your vision without noticeable symptoms at first. Millions of people around the world live with glaucoma—many without knowing it. The good news? With early detection and treatment, you can manage it and protect your sight.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma happens when increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve. Think of the optic nerve as a fiber-optic cable sending images from your eyes to your brain. If that cable frays, your vision gets disrupted—and the damage can’t be reversed.

Common Types of Glaucoma

Not all glaucoma looks the same. The two most common types are:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma
  The most common form. The drainage system in the eye is open but partially clogged—like a slow-draining sink. It develops gradually, often without obvious symptoms.
  
  
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma
  Less common but far more urgent. Here, the drainage angle is suddenly blocked, causing a rapid spike in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency.
  
  

Warning Signs to Watch For

Glaucoma often develops quietly, but these symptoms are red flags:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
  
  
• Blurred or hazy vision
  
  
• Eye pain or pressure
  
  
• Seeing halos around lights
  
  
• Headaches or eye redness
  
  
• Nausea or vomiting (in severe cases)
  
  

Who’s at Risk?

Certain factors raise your chances of developing glaucoma:

• Age 60+
  
  
• Family history of glaucoma
  
  
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
  
  
• Past eye injuries
  
  
• Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
  
  

If you check more than one box, regular eye exams are even more important.

How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed

The best way to catch glaucoma early is through routine eye exams. Your eye doctor may perform:

• Tonometry – measures eye pressure
  
  
• Visual field testing – checks your side vision
  
  
• Optic nerve imaging/exam – looks for nerve damage
  
  
• Gonioscopy – inspects the eye’s drainage angle
  

Treatment Options

While glaucoma can’t be cured, treatments can protect your vision. Options include:

• Medications
  Prescription eye drops lower pressure by reducing fluid production or improving drainage.
  
  
• Laser treatments
  Such as trabeculoplasty (improves drainage) or iridotomy (creates a new fluid pathway).
  
  
• Surgery
  When other methods aren’t enough, options include trabeculectomy, implants, or newer minimally invasive techniques.
  
  

Living Well with Glaucoma

Managing glaucoma means making it part of your routine—not your identity. Simple habits help:

• Take prescribed drops consistently
  
  
• Keep your regular check-up schedule
  
  
• Control blood pressure
  
  
• Exercise moderately
  
  
• Eat a balanced diet and protect your eyes from injury
  
  

Can You Prevent Glaucoma?

You can’t prevent it entirely, but you can reduce your risk:

• Schedule eye exams every 1–2 years (more often if high risk)
  
  
• Share your family history with your eye doctor
  
  
• Manage health conditions like diabetes and hypertension
  
  
• Wear protective eyewear during sports or risky activities
  
  
• Stay active with regular movement and eye-healthy foods
  
  

Latest Advances Bringing Hope

Research is moving fast, with new possibilities on the horizon:

• Next-generation medications
  
  
• Minimally invasive surgical tools
  
  
• Improved imaging for earlier detection
  
  
• Gene therapy research
  
  
• Neuroprotective treatments designed to protect nerve cells

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Call your eye doctor—or head to emergency care—if you experience:

• Sudden vision loss or changes
  
  
• Severe eye pain or pressure
  
  
• Intense headache with eye symptoms
  
  
• Nausea, vomiting, and red eyes together
  
  

TL;DR

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, but it’s manageable if caught early. Regular eye exams, knowing your risk factors, and following treatment plans are key to keeping your vision safe.

FAQs About Glaucoma

Q: Can glaucoma be cured?
A: No cure yet, but treatments can slow or stop vision loss if caught early.

Q: Will I go blind if I have glaucoma?
A: Not necessarily. With early detection and consistent care, most people maintain useful vision for life.

Q: How often should I get my eyes checked?
A: After age 40, schedule an eye exam every 1–2 years, or more often if you’re high risk.

Q: Does glaucoma hurt?
A: Open-angle glaucoma usually doesn’t cause pain, but angle-closure glaucoma can be very painful and requires urgent care.

Protect Your Sight Today

Don’t wait for symptoms—glaucoma often goes unnoticed until damage is done. Schedule your next comprehensive eye exam, and give yourself the gift of clear, confident vision for years to come.