Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits visual data from the eye to the brain and is essential for clear vision. High intraocular pressure in eye is frequently associated with damage to the optic nerve. However, glaucoma can develop with normal eye pressure as well. For those over the age of 60, it is one of the main causes of blindness.

Accumulation of fluid or aqueous humour that circulates across the interior of the eye causes elevated ocular pressure. Normally, it exits via a tissue at the point where the iris and cornea converge known as trabecular meshwork. It allows light to enter the eye. The cornea is crucial to vision.

Eye pressure may raise when the eye produces too much fluid or when the drainage system isn't functioning properly. Symptoms include photophobia, blepharospasm, eye rubbing due to irritation of corneal nerves, lacrimation due to corneal edema, defective vision, enlargement of cornea, etc. Early glaucoma diagnosis allows for possible prevention or slowing of vision loss. Regular eye exams that include measuring your eye pressure are crucial. Healthcare provider may perform several tests to diagnose the condition such as

• Measuring the intraocular pressure which is also known as tonometry.
• Testing for optic nerve damage with a dilated eye examination and imaging tests.
• Checking for the areas of vision loss, also known as a visual field test.
• Measuring the corneal thickness with an exam called pachymetry.
• Inspecting the drainage angle, also known as gonioscopy.

In order to treat glaucoma, intraocular pressure is reduced. Prescribed eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, surgery, or a combination of methods are available as treatment options.