Glaucoma is an eye condition characterised by loss of vision due to damage of the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries sight images to the brain, and any damage to the nerve results in damage to sight.

Usually, but not always, the damage occurs because pressure within the eye increases and presses on the nerve, which damages it.

The term 'glaucoma' actually covers several different conditions:

The most common is Chronic (primary open angle) glaucoma - this form usually affects both eyes and develops slowly so that loss of sight is gradual. There is no pain, redness of the eye or dramatic change in vision.

With Acute (angle closure) glaucoma, there is a sudden increase in the pressure within one eye. The eye becomes red and painful. Often there is mistiness of vision and episodes of seeing haloes around lights.

Sometimes, other diseases of the eye cause a rise in the pressure within the eye - this group of conditions is called secondary glaucoma.

You will not go blind if your glaucoma is diagnosed early enough and you follow your treatment as instructed. Any sight you have lost you will not regain, however, there is help and information available for people who have lost their sight through glaucoma.

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