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Summary
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It usually happens when the fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, damaging the optic nerve. Often there are no symptoms at first. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral, or side vision. They seem to be looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains.
A comprehensive eye exam can tell if you have glaucoma. People at risk should get eye exams at least every two years. They include
- African Americans over age 40
- People over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
- People with a family history of glaucoma
There is no cure, but glaucoma can usually be controlled. Early treatment can help protect your eyes against vision loss. Treatments usually include prescription eyedrops and/or surgery.
NIH: National Eye Institute
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Glaucoma
(National Eye Institute)
Also in Spanish
- Glaucoma: Symptoms and Causes (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Types of Glaucoma
(National Eye Institute)
- What Is Glaucoma? (Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology) Also in Spanish
Symptoms
- Glaucoma Symptoms (BrightFocus Foundation) Also in Spanish
Diagnosis and Tests
- Dilating Eye Drops (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
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Glaucoma Tests
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
- Optic Nerve Imaging (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Screening for Glaucoma (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) - PDF
Prevention and Risk Factors
- New Tool to Predict Glaucoma (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Learn More
- Don't Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight! (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Treatments and Therapies
- Alternative Medicine (Glaucoma Research Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Does Marijuana Help Treat Glaucoma? (American Academy of Ophthalmology) Also in Spanish
- Generic Medications: Are They the Same? (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Glaucoma Treatments and Drugs (BrightFocus Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Medication Guide (Glaucoma Research Foundation) Also in Spanish
Living With
- Daily Life with Glaucoma (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Eye Drop Tips (Glaucoma Research Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Recreation and Quality of Life (BrightFocus Foundation) Also in Spanish
Related Issues
- African Americans and Glaucoma (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Diabetes and Your Eyesight (Glaucoma) (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Dry Eyes and Glaucoma: Double Trouble (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
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Talking to Your Doctor
(National Eye Institute)
Also in Spanish
Genetics
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Early-onset glaucoma: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
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Nail-patella syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
Images
- How the Build Up of Aqueous Humor Can Damage the Optic Nerve (BrightFocus Foundation)
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How the Eyes Work
(National Eye Institute)
Also in Spanish
- View How Glaucoma May Affect Vision (BrightFocus Foundation)
Statistics and Research
- 10 Tips to Reduce Your Chance of Losing Vision from the Most Common Cause of Blindness (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
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Experimental Contact Lens to Prevent Glaucoma-Induced Blindness
(National Institute of General Medical Sciences)
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Glaucoma, Open-Angle
(National Eye Institute)
Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Glaucoma
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Children
- Glaucoma (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Patient Handouts
- Glaucoma (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Ophthalmoscopy (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Standard ophthalmic exam (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Tonometry (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.