Causes / Risk Factors
Glaucoma can be influenced by a combination of eye pressure, optic nerve health and individual risk factors. Some people are more likely to develop glaucoma and may need more regular monitoring.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma
Protecting Your Vision Through Earlier Detection and Specialist Care
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, often gradually and without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. At IOES, our specialist team can assess your risk, investigate changes in your eye health and guide you towards the right next step to help protect your vision.
Overview
Glaucoma affects the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It is often linked to pressure inside the eye, although glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure is within the normal range. Because early glaucoma may not cause obvious symptoms, regular assessment is important, especially for people with known risk factors.
- Can develop slowly and may not be noticed at first
- May affect peripheral or side vision as it progresses
- Can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated
- Often requires ongoing monitoring and long-term care
- Earlier detection can help reduce the risk of avoidable sight loss
Symptoms
Many people with glaucoma do not notice symptoms in the early stages. Changes can be gradual, which is why glaucoma is often detected during an eye examination rather than because of a sudden change in vision.
- Gradual loss of side or peripheral vision
- Blurred, patchy or reduced vision in more advanced cases
- Difficulty noticing objects to the side
- Halos around lights or sudden blurred vision in some types of glaucoma
- Severe eye pain, redness, headache or nausea in acute cases, which requires urgent attention
When to Seek Help
You should arrange an eye assessment if you have been told you are at risk of glaucoma, have a family history of glaucoma, or have noticed changes in your vision. Because glaucoma can be silent in the early stages, assessment is also important if your optometrist or doctor has advised specialist review.
How It Is Diagnosed
At IOES, glaucoma assessment involves a detailed review of the optic nerve, eye pressure and visual function. The aim is to understand whether glaucoma is present, whether there is risk of progression and what care plan may be needed.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
If glaucoma or glaucoma risk is identified, your clinician will explain the findings and recommend the most appropriate next step. This may include monitoring, treatment to lower eye pressure, further diagnostic testing, or referral for specialist glaucoma care depending on your results and risk profile.
Treatment Overview
Glaucoma treatment focuses on protecting remaining vision and reducing the risk of further optic nerve damage. Treatment may involve eye drops, laser treatment, surgery or ongoing monitoring, depending on the type and severity of glaucoma.
- Glaucoma Treatment may be recommended to help lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve
- Advanced Diagnostics & Technology can support detailed monitoring of optic nerve and visual field changes
For people already living with reduced vision, Low Vision support may also help with practical strategies, visual aids and day-to-day confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. It is often associated with raised eye pressure, but it can also occur when eye pressure is within the normal range.
Can glaucoma cause permanent vision loss?
Yes. Vision loss caused by glaucoma is usually permanent, which is why early detection, monitoring and treatment are important. Treatment aims to reduce the risk of further damage rather than reverse vision already lost.
Does glaucoma always have symptoms?
No. Many people do not notice symptoms in the early stages. Glaucoma may only be detected through an eye examination, optic nerve assessment, eye pressure check or visual field test.
Who is more at risk of glaucoma?
Risk can be higher for people with raised eye pressure, increasing age, a family history of glaucoma, previous eye injury or other eye and health factors. A specialist assessment can help clarify your individual risk.
What treatments are available for glaucoma?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma. Options may include monitoring, eye drops, laser treatment or surgery, with the aim of lowering eye pressure and reducing the risk of further optic nerve damage.
Request an Appointment
If you have been told you may have glaucoma, have a family history of glaucoma, or need specialist review, IOES can assess your eye health and guide you towards the right next step.
Request an Appointment
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Learn more about glaucoma treatment options, including monitoring, pressure-lowering care, laser treatment and surgical approaches where appropriate.
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