Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease which causes a build up of fluid pressure inside the eye.

If left untreated, this pressure increase can destroy vision by causing irreversible changes to the optic nerve at the back of the eye, eventually causing blindness.

It affects mainly peripheral vision, and is a very dangerous eye condition because it most commonly occurs without any obvious symptoms. Becuase of this it is often known as "the sneaky thief of eyesight."

There is no cure which can reverse any damage already done by the disease , although it can be treated. The damage to the optic nerve with the pressure build up is irreversible. However regular medication,(or in some circumstances a minor operation) to lower the pressure in the eye can prevent further damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye and any further loss of peripheral vision.

Early detection of the disease is possible with regular routine eye examinations. These eye examinations, involving a pressure check and visual fields assessments should ideally be carried out annually.

The appropriate medical treatment, and the availability of modern day low vision services can ensure people with this eye condition can lead relatively normal lives.

Laser surgery to treat glaucoma ,find out more here.

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