What it is
It is more common in older people, people with a family history of glaucoma and people of African or Asian background.
Eye drops, laser treatment or surgery can lower eye pressure. Lost sight cannot be restored, but further loss can be prevented.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms at first
- Gradual loss of side vision
- Blurred vision
- Seeing rings around lights
- Sudden eye pain and redness in acute glaucoma
How it is usually diagnosed
- Eye pressure test
- Visual field test
- Examination of the optic nerve
- OCT scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Eye pressure readings over time
- Visual field results
- OCT scan reports
- Ophthalmology letters and eye drop prescriptions
Questions to ask your doctor
- How much has my optic nerve been affected?
- How often do I need check-ups?
- Should my family members be tested?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden intense eye pain, red eye, blurred vision and seeing rings around lights: go to the emergency department straight away
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.