Many people ask, ‘What is glaucoma?’ – often after a diagnosis of the condition.
Since it’s Glaucoma Awareness Week, we’re encouraging people across the UK to take control of their eye health by understanding the condition and working to avoid permanent sight loss. Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that can be treated with early intervention. Though it is not curable – the earlier it is caught, the better the outcome will be. Regular eye examinations help catch eye conditions in the early stages, meaning more treatment options may be available to you.
Glaucoma symptoms
Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is damaged. It's usually caused by fluid building up and increasing pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma often has no symptoms in the early stages. By the time problems are beginning to appear, permanent damage has already been done.
Signs of glaucoma
Although there are no early symptoms, as the condition progresses there are more noticeable signs of glaucoma. These may include:
- Loss of outer field of vision
- Severe Pain
- Headaches and nausea
- Redness in the eyes
- Seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights
Risks of Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects over 700,000 people in the UK – yet half remain undiagnosed. Although it is more common in adults in their 70s and 80s, it can affect people of all ages. Certain types of the condition, such as juvenile open-angle glaucoma, can affect people in their teens and into their twenties. According to the NHS (2021), there are several glaucoma risk factors including:
- Family history: If someone in your immediate family has glaucoma, you’re more likely to also develop the condition.
- Age: The older you get, the more of a risk there is of developing glaucoma.
- Ethnicity: People of African, Caribbean, or Asian origin are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Redness in the eyes
- Other medical conditions including diabetes, short-sightedness and long-sightedness.
Preventing glaucoma
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Glaucoma, early detection and intervention can help to prevent serious sight loss. Regular eye examinations are vital to maintain good eye health and detect any conditions early. Glaucoma treatment options include eye drops, laser treatment and surgery.
Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, said:
“Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the UK, and it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. You don’t need to wait for symptoms. Regular comprehensive eye tests are the best way to detect glaucoma early and reduce the risk of permanent damage. Optometrists are experts at detecting glaucoma. Too many people assume that glaucoma is only a concern later in life, which is a dangerous myth. Age increases the risk, but we regularly see cases in much younger patients, particularly those with a strong prescription, diabetes, or a family history of the disease. Sadly, the damage caused by this condition not only to the eye but to the patients’ quality of life can be irreversible. The earlier we catch it, the more we can do to protect your vision.”
Take control of your eye health
Routine eye tests are encouraged at least every two years. Book your eye test at your local Optical Express clinic now to protect your vision and prevent irreversible sight damage.
*NHS (2021), Glaucoma Overview, NHS Conditions. Available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma [accessed July 2025].
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