Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affect vision. Aruna talks about her diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Linda Moore, 62, has had open angular glaucoma since she was 39. She runs the Poole Glaucoma Support Group, which supports people with glaucoma in their local area.

“I had no idea I had glaucoma until I went for a routine eye examination at the age of 39. I didn’t have any symptoms at all, but after my eye test the optician just said: ‘You’ve got early-stage glaucoma. I’m going to give you a letter to give to your doctor, and you’ll need to see a consultant.’

“It was a shock to find out there was something wrong. I know now that I’ve got a family history – one of my aunts had it – but at the time I didn’t know anything about it. I was aware that it’s a disease of the eye, but I didn’t realise it could cause blindness. 

“To be honest, when I saw the consultant I wasn’t given much more information. I received some eye drops (glaucoma causes the tear ducts to dry up, so the drops help with that). I was told I’d have to take them for the rest of my life, but that was it. I’ve discovered through the support group that many people find there’s a lack of information during the first consultant appointment. 

“One of the major causes of glaucoma is a rise in the pressure in your eye, which weakens the optic nerve and possibly damages it. At one point, the pressure in my eyes kept rising and I was advised to have laser treatment to lower it. The treatment took place at the Eye Unit at Bournemouth Hospital. It wasn’t particularly comfortable or painless, but it was over quickly, and it worked. 

“I know I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had good consultants who’ve kept a careful watch on the results of my six-monthly check-ups, and I’ve managed to maintain reasonable eyesight. I’ve had to stop giving blood, and I can’t take certain medications – but they’re the only restrictions so far. My eyes are tested regularly, and I need new glasses every two years. But having regular eye tests is absolutely crucial. I know of people whose eyesight got worse almost overnight due to their glaucoma being undiagnosed or unchecked.”

Glaucoma is caused by a blockage in part of the eye. This prevents fluid draining out of the eye and increases pressure in the eye, called intraocular pressure.

How the eye works

The eyeball is filled with a watery substance called aqueous humour, which creates pressure in the eye to give it shape. In healthy eyes, this fluid constantly flows in and out of the eye. It drains back into the bloodstream at the same rate that it’s produced to maintain the correct pressure.

Glaucoma occurs when the drainage tubes (trabecular meshwork) within the eye become slightly blocked, preventing the aqueous humour from draining properly. An obstruction within the eye, such as a blood vessel blocking the trabecular meshwork, can also prevent fluid from draining properly.

When the fluid cannot drain properly, the pressure in the eye builds up and can damage the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the eye to the brain) and the nerve fibres from the retina (the light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye).

It’s often unclear why the drainage tubes become blocked or why other parts of the eye obstruct the tubes.

Increased risk 

There are a number of things that can increase your risk of developing glaucoma:

• age (glaucoma becomes more likely as you get older) – in the UK, chronic open-angle glaucoma affects up to two in every 100 people over 40 years old and around five in every 100 people over 80 years old
• ethnic origin – people of African or Afro-Caribbean origin are at increased risk of developing chronic open-angle glaucoma and people of Asian origin are at increased risk of developing acute angle-closure glaucoma
• short sightedness (myopia) – people who are short-sighted are more likely to develop chronic open-angle glaucoma
• ocular hypertension (OHT – raised pressure in the eye) – your optometrist will be able to diagnose OHT (see diagnosing glaucoma), which increases your risk of developing chronic open-angle glaucoma
• family history – if you have a close relative, such as a parent, brother or sister who has glaucoma, you are at increased risk of developing the condition yourself
• medical history – people with diabetes may be at increased risk of developing glaucoma

The main complication of glaucoma is loss of vision that can’t be repaired. This is why early diagnosis and treatment is so important.

Loss of vision

In the UK, glaucoma is responsible for around one in 10 cases of visual impairment.

If you have some loss of vision due to glaucoma, more information is available on the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) website. The RNIB offers advice about:

• living with sight loss
• registering your sight loss – this may allow you to access certain benefits

Complications from treatment

If you have surgery to treat glaucoma, there is always a risk of infection. Most infections can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

You may also have a reaction to certain types of eye drops. Speak to the healthcare professionals treating you if you feel unwell while being treated for glaucoma.

Driving

If you have glaucoma, it could affect your ability to drive. It’s your legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about a medical condition that could affect your driving ability.

Visit GOV.UK to find out how to tell the DVLA about a medical condition.

It’s important to have regular eye tests so eye problems, such as glaucoma, can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

If you have glaucoma, it can take a long time before you realise you have a problem with your eyesight. This is because glaucoma usually damages the outer edge of the eye and works slowly inwards. You may not notice a problem until the glaucoma is near the centre of your eye.

You should have an eye test at least every two years or more frequently if advised by your optometrist (a healthcare professional who tests sight). For example, they may suggest you have more frequent eye tests if you have a close relative with glaucoma, such as a parent, brother or sister.

NHS eye tests

You qualify for a free NHS-funded sight test if you are:

• aged under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education
• aged 60 or over
• registered blind or partially sighted
• diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• aged 40 or over and you are the parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a person diagnosed with glaucoma, or you have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
• eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher

You are also entitled to a free NHS sight test if:

• you receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution based)
• you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• you receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowanc
• you are awarded Universal Credit
• you are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• you are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.

Also read about the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).

Read more information about NHS eye care services.

Tests for glaucoma

There are several glaucoma tests that can be carried out by your optometrist. They are painless and quite quick. The tests should be carried out during the same appointment to ensure results are as accurate as possible.

These tests are explained below.

Eye pressure test (tonometry)

An eye pressure test (tonometry) uses an instrument called a tonometer to measure the pressure inside your eye.

A small amount of anaesthetic (painkilling medication) and dye is placed onto the transparent layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye (your cornea). A blue light from the head of the tonometer is held against your eye to measure the intraocular pressure.

Tonometry can diagnose ocular hypertension (OHT – raised pressure in the eye), which is a risk factor for chronic open-angle glaucoma. 

Central corneal thickness

The thickness of your cornea will be measured because this is thought to affect how the intraocular pressure is interpreted.

Gonioscopy

Gonioscopy is an examination of the front outer edge of your eye, between the cornea and the iris (the coloured part of your eye). This is the area where the fluid should drain out of your eye.

A gonioscopy can help to determine whether this angle is open or closed (blocked).

Visual field test

A visual field test – sometimes called perimetry – checks for missing areas of vision. You will be shown a sequence of light spots and asked which ones you can see. Some dots will appear in your peripheral vision (around the sides of your eyeball), which is where glaucoma begins.

If you can’t see the spots in your peripheral vision, it may indicate the glaucoma has damaged your vision.

Optic nerve assessment

Your optic nerve connects your eye to your brain. Your optometrist will use eye drops to enlarge your pupils. They will then examine your eyes using a slit lamp (a microscope with a very bright light) and assess whether your optic nerve has been damaged by the glaucoma.

The eye drops used to widen your pupils could affect your ability to drive. You should make alternative arrangements for getting home after your appointment.

Referral

If your optometrist suspects glaucoma, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist for further tests. Your ophthalmologist will confirm your diagnosis and find out:

• how far the condition has developed
• how much damage the glaucoma has done to your eyes
• what may have caused the glaucoma

They will then be able to advise on treatment (see treating glaucoma).

In some cases, your ophthalmologist will continue to treat you. But if you have chronic open-angle glaucoma, you may be referred back to your optometrist who will continue your treatment. 

Glaucoma is a condition which can affect sight, usually due to build up of pressure within the eye.

Glaucoma often affects both eyes, usually to varying degrees. One eye may develop glaucoma quicker than the other.

The eye ball contains a fluid called aqueous humour which is constantly produced by the eye, with any excess drained though tubes.

Glaucoma develops when the fluid cannot drain properly and pressure builds up, known as the intraocular pressure.

This can damage the optic nerve (which connects the eye to the brain) and the nerve fibres from the retina (the light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye).

Read more information about the causes of glaucoma.

Types of glaucoma

There are four main types of glaucoma:

• chronic open-angle glaucoma – this is the most common type of glaucoma and develops very slowly
• primary angle-closure glaucoma – this is rare and can occur slowly (chronic) or may develop rapidly (acute) with a sudden, painful build-up of pressure in the eye
• secondary glaucoma – this mainly occurs as a result of an eye injury or another eye condition, such as uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)
• developmental glaucoma (congenital glaucoma) – a rare but sometimes serious type of glaucoma which occurs in very young children, caused by an abnormality of the eye

Read more information about the symptoms of glaucoma.

Treating glaucoma

Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser treatment or surgery. But early diagnosis is important because any damage to the eyes cannot be reversed. Treatment aims to control the condition and minimise future damage.

If left untreated, glaucoma can cause visual impairment. But if it’s diagnosed and treated early enough, further damage to vision can be prevented.

Read more about how glaucoma is treated.

Preventing glaucoma

Attending regular optician appointments will help to ensure any signs of glaucoma can be detected early and allow treatment to begin.

Read about how glaucoma is diagnosed.

You are entitled to a free NHS eye test if you are over 40 years old and have a first-degree relative (mother, father, sister or brother) with glaucoma.

You may also be entitled to a free NHS eye test if:

• an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) thinks you are at risk of developing glaucoma
• you are over 60 years old

Read more information about NHS eye care services.

How common is glaucoma?

In England and Wales, it’s estimated more than 500,000 people have glaucoma but many more people may not know they have the condition.

Chronic open-angle glaucoma affects up to two in every 100 people over 40 years old and around five in every 100 people over 80 years old.

You are also at increased risk of developing open-angle glaucoma if you are of black-African or black-Caribbean origin.

Some types of glaucoma, such as acute angle-closure glaucoma, are much less common. However, people of Asian origin are more at risk of getting this type of glaucoma compared with those from other ethnic groups.

The Map of Medicine is used by doctors throughout the NHS to determine the best treatment options for their patients. NHS Choices offers everyone in England exclusive and free access to this cutting-edge internet resource, which lets you see exactly what your doctor sees.

The information in the Map has been approved by the UK’s leading clinical experts, is based on the best available clinical evidence, and is continually updated. To take advantage of this unique resource go to:

Map of Medicine:glaucoma

Symptoms of the different types of glaucoma are explained below.

There are four main types of glaucoma:

• chronic open-angle glaucoma – the most common type which often has few symptoms
• acute angle-closure glaucoma – which often has severe symptoms
• secondary glaucoma – caused by other conditions or eye treatments
• developmental glaucoma – a rare condition affecting young babies

Chronic open-angle glaucoma

In cases of chronic glaucoma, there are usually no noticeable symptoms because the condition develops very slowly. People don’t often realise their sight is being damaged because the first part of the eye to be affected is the outer field of vision (peripheral vision). Vision is lost from the outer rim of the eye, slowly working inwards towards the centre.

Changes in vision are often linked to getting older, which is why it is so important to have your eyes checked regularly. You should have an eye test at least every two years, or more frequently if your optometrist (healthcare professional who tests sight) recommends it.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Acute angle-closure glaucoma develops rapidly. Symptoms are often severe. They include:

• intense pain
• redness of the eye
• headache
• tender eye area
• seeing halos or ‘rainbow-like’ rings around lights
• misty vision
• loss of vision in one or both eyes that progresses very quickly 

As a result of these symptoms, some people may also feel sick or be sick.

Symptoms of acute glaucoma are not constant. They can last for one or two hours before disappearing again. But each time the symptoms occur, your vision is damaged a little more.

It’s important to contact your GP straight away if you have any of the above symptoms, because early treatment can prevent further damage occurring.

If you have symptoms outside your GP’s normal working hours, visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department. The healthcare professionals at A&E will relieve the pressure within your eye and treat any pain.

Secondary glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma is caused by other conditions, such as uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye). It can also be caused by eye injuries and certain treatments, such as medication or operations.

It’s possible for the symptoms of glaucoma to be confused with the symptoms of the other condition. For example, uveitis often causes painful eyes and headaches.

However, the glaucoma may still cause misty vision and rings or halos around lights.

Developmental glaucoma

Recognising the symptoms of developmental glaucoma (also known as congenital glaucoma) can be difficult due to the young age of the baby or child.

However, your child may display symptoms, such as:

• large eyes due to the pressure in the eyes causing them to expand
• being sensitive to light (photophobia)
• having a cloudy appearance to their eyes
• having watery eyes
• jerky movements of the eyes
• having a squint, which is an eye condition that causes one of the eyes to turn inwards, outwards or upwards, while the other eye looks forward

If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your GP or optometrist as soon as possible.

Treatment aims to reduce the pressure in the affected eye, called intraocular pressure.

Any damage to your vision caused by glaucoma can’t be repaired so it’s important to get an early diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage.

Eye drops

Chronic open-angle glaucoma is often treated using eye drops. There are several different types of eye drops available, the type prescribed may depend on:

• how your condition is progressing
• whether you have other medical conditions
• whether you are taking any other medications
• whether the eye drops cause side effects when you use them

Using eye drops

It’s important to use eye drops as directed. Even if you have not yet noticed any problems with your vision, without treatment glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss.

To use eye drops:

• use your finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid
• hold the bottle over your eye and allow a single drop to fall into the pocket you have created in your lower lid
• close your eye and keep it closed for several minutes

If you are using two different types of eye drops, allow at least five to 10 minutes between using the different types.

Also follow any other advice your optometrist or ophthalmologist has given you.

Contact lenses

If you usually wear contact lenses and have been prescribed eye drops, you may need to stop wearing your lenses and wear glasses instead.

This is because medication in the eye drops can build up in the lenses and may harm your eyes. You should discuss this with healthcare professionals treating you.

Types of eye drops

The different types of eye drops are described below. You can read medicines information for more details about your medication.

Prostaglandin analogue

Prostaglandin analogues increase the flow of fluid (aqueous humour) out of your eye, which reduces the pressure within your eye (the intraocular pressure). These eye drops are usually used once a day.

Side effects include:

• enlarged blood vessels in the white part of your eye, making your eye look red
• changes to your eye colour – it often gets darker
• eyelashes growing thicker and darker
• eye pain and irritation
• blepharitis – a condition where the rims of your eyelids become red and swollen
• dry eyes
• headaches
• sensitivity to light

Some types of prostaglandin analogues that you may be prescribed include:

• latanoprost
• bimatoprost 
• tafluprost
• travoprost

Beta-blockers

It is thought that beta-blockers reduce intraocular pressure by slowing down the production of aqueous humour in your eye. They are used once or twice a day and can cause side effects such as:

• a stinging or burning sensation in your eye
• dry eyes
• itchy eyes

Beta-blockers can make some medical conditions worse, so do not use them if you have:

• asthma
• a heart condition, such as heart block

Some types of beta-blockers you may be prescribed include:

• betaxolol hydrochloride
• levobunolol hydrochloride 
• timolol

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce the amount of aqueous humour produced in your eye, which reduces intraocular pressure. These drops are used two or three times a day and may cause:

• a bitter taste in your mouth
• nausea (feeling sick)
• a dry mouth
• eye irritation

Some types of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors you may be prescribed include:

• brinzolamide
• dorzolamide

Sympathomimetics

Sympathomimetics are thought to reduce the rate of production of aqueous humour and increase the flow of aqueous humour out of the eyes. These eye drops are used twice a day and may cause your eyes to become painful and red.

Some types of sympathomimetics can only be used with caution in people who have:

• high blood pressure
• heart disease

A type of sympathomimetic that you may be prescribed is brimonidine tartrate.

Other treatments

If the use of eye drops does not improve your symptoms, a different type of treatment may be recommended, such as laser treatment or surgery. These are described in more detail below.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment, which uses high energy beams of light, can be used to open up the blocked trabecular meshwork (drainage tubes) within your eye. This is called laser trabeculoplasty.

Anaesthetic (painkilling) eye drops will be put into your eye and a special lens placed in front of your eye. The laser will be shone through the lens and will make small holes in the trabecular meshwork. This allows more fluid to drain out of your eye and reduces the intraocular pressure.

An alternative to laser trabeculoplasty is cyclodiode laser treatment. This involves destroying some of the tissue in the eye that produces aqueous humour. It creates less fluid in the eye, which reduces the intraocular pressure.

Laser treatments are usually quick and painless, although during the procedure you may feel a brief twinge of pain or heat. You may still need to use eye drops (see above) after having laser treatment.

Surgery

A trabeculectomy is the most common type of glaucoma surgery. It involves removing part of the trabecular meshwork to allow fluid to flow through the eye’s drainage system.

The procedure will be carried out under local anaesthetic (you are awake) or general anaesthetic (you are unconscious).

Other types of surgery include:

• a viscocanalostomy – this operation removes part of the sclera (the white outer covering of the eyeball), enabling the fluid to filter out of your eye and into your body
• a deep sclerectomy operation – this operation involves implanting a tiny device inside your eye to widen the trabecular meshwork
• an aqueous shunt implant – this operation involves placing a tube device into your eye to increase the drainage of fluid out of your eye

Speak to your surgeon to find out more about your procedure and risks involved.

If you are having surgery, your surgeon may choose to use anti-scarring medicines. These can improve the success of the operation by preventing scar tissue forming as your eye heals.

You may be prescribed either:

• mitomycin C
• 5-fluorouracil

These medications are unlicensed for the treatment of glaucoma. This means that the manufacturers of these medications have not applied for a licence for their medication to be used to treat glaucoma.

But many specialists will use an unlicensed medication if they think the medication is likely to be effective and benefits of treatment outweigh associated risk. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance for the treatment of chronic open-angle glaucoma. It suggests these medicines can be used.

If your ophthalmologist is considering prescribing an unlicensed medication, they should inform you that it is unlicensed, and discuss possible risks and benefits with you.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

As acute glaucoma develops rapidly, the condition needs to be treated quickly. The most common forms of treatment for this type of glaucoma include:

• eye drops – see above for further details
• systemic medicines – these are injected into your bloodstream to quickly reduce the pressure in your eye
• laser treatment (called laser iridotomy) – this uses high-energy beams of light to create holes in your iris (coloured part of the eye) to open the angle and enable fluid to flow; both eyes may need to be treated, even if only one has acute angle-closure glaucoma, because this form of glaucoma may develop in both eyes at some point
• surgery – a trabeculectomy (surgery to remove part of the drainage tubes) is the most common form of surgery for acute glaucoma

If you also have a cataract (a cloudy patch in the lens of your eye), removing it may open the angle in your eye and control the intraocular pressure.

Read about cataract surgery for more information about this procedure.

Miotics

Acute angle-closure glaucoma may also be treated with a medication called a miotic, such as pilocarpine.

Miotics work by opening up the blocked trabecular meshwork, which should improve the drainage of aqueous humour out of your eye. You may need to use these eye drops up to four times a day.

Miotics should be used with caution in people who have certain medical conditions, including:

• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• asthma

Miotics can also cause side effects, such as:

• a headache, which may be severe during the first two to four weeks of treatment
• burning or itchy eyes
• blurred vision, which may affect your ability to drive

Treating other types of glaucoma

For other types of glaucoma, your specialist will usually recommend eye drops, laser treatment or surgery. Your treatment will depend on the type of glaucoma you have and how advanced it is.

Monitoring your condition

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma your condition will be closely monitored to check for further damage to your vision.

Depending on how your glaucoma is progressing, you may need further appointments every one to four months or up to 12-24 months apart. These will either be with:

• an optometrist – a healthcare professional who examines eyes, tests vision and is trained to recognise eye diseases and vision defects
• an ophthalmologist – a medical doctor who specialises in eye diseases and their treatment and surgery