Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged at the point where it leaves the eye. This nerve carries information from the light sensitive layer in your eye (the retina) to the brain.
Damage to this nerve results in blind spots in the periphery of your vision. If left untreated these blind spots get bigger, resulting in tunnel vision and eventually blindness.
However, if the condition is diagnosed and treated early enough, further damage to your vision can usually be prevented.
Glaucoma affects approximately 2% of the population in the UK. The risk of developing glaucoma increases as you get older and is greater in some ethnic groups such as those of African descent.
The most common type of Glaucoma does not cause any pain or discomfort and you are unlikely to be aware that you have the condition until substantial damage has already occurred. The only way that it can be detected is by having regular eye examinations.
Download our Glaucoma fact sheet
visioncare-glaucoma-factsheet – PDF 465Kb
If you have noticed deterioration in your vision you should contact us and book an eye examination.
