Family history
Having a parent, sibling or close relative with glaucoma can increase your risk.
For patients and families
Know glaucoma. Protect the sight you have.
Simple, dependable guidance to help you understand risk, examinations, treatment and follow-up.
The essentials
Glaucoma damages the nerve that connects your eye to your brain.
Many forms of glaucoma develop gradually and do not cause pain or obvious early changes. That is why someone can feel that their sight is normal while damage is beginning.
A comprehensive dilated eye examination can detect glaucoma. If glaucoma is found, treatment may include eye drops, laser treatment or surgery. Treatment cannot reverse sight already lost, but it can help slow further damage.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Speak with a qualified eye-care professional about your individual needs.
Who should pay particular attention?
Some people have a higher risk.
Increasing age
The chance of glaucoma increases as we get older, so routine eye examinations matter.
Health and eye history
High eye pressure, certain medicines, injuries and some health conditions can affect risk.
Take the next step
What you can do now.
- Arrange a comprehensive eye examination with a qualified eye-care professional.
- Tell the clinician if glaucoma runs in your family and share your medicines and health history.
- If you are prescribed treatment, use it exactly as directed—even if your vision feels unchanged.
- Keep every follow-up appointment so your eye pressure and optic nerve can be monitored.
- Encourage close relatives to have their eyes checked.
Seek urgent medical care
Sudden severe eye pain, a red eye, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache, nausea or vomiting can be signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Common questions
Understanding care and follow-up.
Usually not. Eye pressure and glaucoma damage need to be assessed during an eye examination.
No. Glaucoma may progress without noticeable symptoms. Do not stop or change treatment unless your eye-care professional advises you to.
Read the US National Eye Institute glaucoma guide and discuss any questions with your clinician.