What Causes Glaucoma

Glaucoma is usually caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye, happening when fluid can't drain properly, which in turn damages the optic nerve. Sometimes, eye pressure stays within a normal range but the optic nerve is still damaged. It isn't always clear why this happens, but risk may be higher if you're over 50, have a sibling or parent with glaucoma, are from a Black African, Caribbean or Asian background, or have another condition such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or diabetes.

Tests for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is usually found during a routine eye test, often before any symptoms appear — if you're told you have it, you'll be referred to a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for further tests. Everyone should have a regular eye test at least every 2 years, and if you're at higher risk — for example, with a close family member who has glaucoma — you may be advised to have them more often. Eye tests are carried out by an optometrist at a local opticians, and some people are eligible for free NHS sight tests.

Treatment Options

There's no cure for glaucoma, but treatment can slow the damage and help prevent vision from worsening further — the right approach depends on how your sight is affected and the type of glaucoma you have. Options include eye drops to reduce fluid in the eye and help it drain, laser treatment to reduce fluid levels, or surgery, with several different operations available depending on your situation. Regular follow-up appointments monitor your eyes and check treatment is working, so it's important not to miss these.

How Glaucoma Can Affect Your Life

It's natural to worry about how much your vision might change and how you'd manage if it did. If glaucoma is caught and treated early, it may not significantly affect your sight, though for some people vision is affected, and rarely, sight loss can occur. Your specialist eye doctor can advise on how your particular case may affect your sight, and how to stay as independent as possible — for many people, this means using eye drops daily and keeping up with regular eye clinic appointments to help prevent things worsening.

If you do experience some sight loss, it can understandably be difficult to come to terms with, and connecting with a support group for people with sight loss can genuinely help, alongside practical lifestyle adaptations to help you keep doing the things you enjoy safely.

Getting Further Support

Alongside your medical team, it can help to connect with others affected by glaucoma, whether locally or online. Glaucoma UK offers information, a helpline (01233 64 81 70), an online forum, local support groups, and a buddy scheme pairing you with someone with lived experience. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) offers further support for blind and partially sighted people and their families, including a helpline (0303 123 9999), sight loss counselling, and online community groups.