What is Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease that causes progressive and irreversible loss of vision due to damage to the optic nerve. It is linked to an increase in the pressure in the eye, called inraocular pressure. This damages the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. If not treated correctly and promptly, glaucoma can cause total and permanent blindness within a few years.
Sometimes excess fluid is produced by the eyes and this fluid is unable to flow out at its normal rate putting pressure on the eyes. This leads to severe nerve damage causing glaucoma. Glaucoma often causes blindness especially in older people.
Prevention
Treatment for glaucoma aims to reduce the pressure in the eye either by helping fluid drain away or reduce the amount of fluid being produced.
The usual treatment for glaucoma is eye drops however in cases where it is resistant to drops, treatment through surgery or laser may need to be performed.