What is this?
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve. Damage can develop slowly without early symptoms. Eye pressure is an important risk factor, but glaucoma can also occur at pressures within the usual range.
EYE CONDITION
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that can damage the optic nerve. Early stages often cause few noticeable symptoms.
Key points
- Early glaucoma often causes no noticeable symptoms.
- Peripheral visual-field loss may develop gradually.
- Family history, age and certain eye or health factors can increase risk.
What may be assessed?
Assessment may include eye-pressure measurement, optic-nerve evaluation, OCT and, when appropriate, visual-field testing. No single test alone confirms or excludes glaucoma.
What happens next?
Suspicious findings need follow-up or ophthalmology referral. Sudden severe eye pain, a red eye, nausea and blurred vision require urgent same-day assessment.
When to seek urgent help
For sudden or severe visual change, a dark shadow/curtain, severe eye pain or other warning symptoms: do not wait for an online test or routine appointment; seek appropriate urgent care.