Glaucoma

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Glaucoma is theNational Eye Institute

Other Languages

Find health information in languages other than English on Glaucoma

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

Disclaimers

MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our disclaimer about external links and our quality guidelines.

Summary

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It usually happens when the fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, damaging the optic nerve. Often there are no symptoms at first. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral, or side vision. They seem to be looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains.

A comprehensive eye exam can tell if you have glaucoma. People at risk should get eye exams at least every two years. They include

African Americans over age 40
People over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
People with a family history of glaucoma

There is no cure, but glaucoma can usually be controlled. Early treatment can help protect your eyes against vision loss. Treatments usually include prescription eyedrops and/or surgery.

NIH: National Eye Institute

Start Here

Facts about Glaucoma (National Eye Institute)Also in Spanish
Glaucoma (National Eye Institute)
Glaucoma: Symptoms and Causes (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
What Is Glaucoma? (Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology)Also in Spanish

Symptoms

Glaucoma Symptoms (BrightFocus Foundation)Also in Spanish

Diagnosis and Tests

Dilating Eye Drops (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)Also in Spanish
Five Common Glaucoma Tests (Glaucoma Research Foundation)Also in Spanish
Optic Nerve Imaging (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Screening for Glaucoma (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) - PDF

Prevention and Risk Factors

New Tool to Predict Glaucoma (Glaucoma Research Foundation)

Learn More

Don't Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight! (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Treatments and Therapies

Alternative Medicine (Glaucoma Research Foundation)Also in Spanish
Does Marijuana Help Treat Glaucoma? (American Academy of Ophthalmology)Also in Spanish
Generic Medications: Are They the Same? (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Glaucoma Treatments and Drugs (BrightFocus Foundation)Also in Spanish
Medication Guide (Glaucoma Research Foundation)Also in Spanish

Living With

Daily Life with Glaucoma (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Eye Drop Tips (Glaucoma Research Foundation)Also in Spanish
Recreation and Quality of Life (BrightFocus Foundation)

Related Issues

African Americans and Glaucoma (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Diabetes and Your Eyesight (Glaucoma) (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Dry Eyes and Glaucoma: Double Trouble (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Importance of Corneal Thickness (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Talking to Your Doctor (National Eye Institute)Also in Spanish

Specifics

Types of Glaucoma (Glaucoma Foundation)

Genetics

Genetics Home Reference: coloboma (National Library of Medicine)
Genetics Home Reference: early-onset glaucoma (National Library of Medicine)
Genetics Home Reference: isolated ectopia lentis (National Library of Medicine)
Genetics Home Reference: nail-patella syndrome (National Library of Medicine)

Images

Diagram of the Eye (National Eye Institute)Also in Spanish
Flow of Aqueous Humor (BrightFocus Foundation)
How the Build Up of Aqueous Humor Can Damage the Optic Nerve (BrightFocus Foundation)
View How Glaucoma May Affect Vision (BrightFocus Foundation)

Videos and Tutorials

Glaucoma (Medical Encyclopedia)Also in Spanish
Glaucoma (National Eye Institute)
Innovations in Pediatric Glaucoma Surgery (BroadcastMed) - UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, Birmingham, AL, 3/17/2014