Diagnosis and treatment
What is glaucoma and why is the absence of symptoms dangerous?
What are the main things to know?
- Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, most often caused by raised intraocular pressure
- For a long time it produces no symptoms, so it is usually found during an examination
- Drops, laser treatment and surgery do not cure glaucoma, they only slow down its progression
- The aim of treatment is to extend the time during which a person keeps their sight
Why is glaucoma hard to notice on your own?
- In the early stages vision seems normal, there are no symptoms
- The visual field narrows gradually, from the edges, and the brain compensates for it unnoticed
- An acute attack of glaucoma (a rare case) - sudden pain in the eye, redness, a sharp drop in vision - needs emergency care
- Most often it is found precisely at a routine examination with an ophthalmologist
Why does glaucoma develop?
The most common cause is raised intraocular pressure, which gradually damages the optic nerve. The risk grows with age, with an inherited tendency and with certain accompanying diseases.
When should you see an ophthalmologist about glaucoma?
Routine check-ups matter even without complaints, especially after the age of 40 or if glaucoma already runs in the family. Sudden pain in the eye, redness and a sharp drop in vision are a reason to seek help immediately.
How can I help with glaucoma?
I diagnose glaucoma, select and monitor medical treatment and follow the patient over time, so that progression is noticed early and, if needed, the patient is referred for surgical or laser treatment.
What does this page not cover?
Glaucoma is a chronic disease: there is no promise here of curing it completely. Treatment slows the progression down and preserves sight, it does not remove the disease for good.
Questions patients ask most often
What do patients ask most often?
Can glaucoma be cured for good?
No, glaucoma is a chronic disease that treatment slows down rather than removes completely. That is why monitoring and pressure control are needed permanently.
How often should vision be checked so that glaucoma is not missed?
After the age of 40 a routine examination with an ophthalmologist once a year is recommended, and more often if close relatives already have glaucoma.
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