GLAUCOMA

Many people don’t know they have glaucoma, and this is one of the many reasons why it is important to have regular eye tests so that the earliest signs of it can be detected. If you have been made aware that you are at risk of glaucoma, for example, if others in your family have had glaucoma, you might be looking for some more information about it.

Our guide to all things glaucoma-related can help you understand the ins and outs of this eye condition, including how it affects the eyes, the common causes and who might be at a higher risk of developing it. We always recommend visiting an eye care professional though for diagnosis and treatment of any eye-related concerns.

What is open angle glaucoma?

Internally, our eyes are continuously producing a clear fluid to help nourish the inside structures of the eyes. This fluid then drains away from the eyes through a natural structure at the front of the eyes called the anterior chamber angle. Although you can’t see it with your own eyes, it is located where the coloured part of your eye (the iris) meets the white part of your eye.

As the name suggests, in open angle glaucoma the anterior chamber angle opens enough to allow fluid to drain away from the eye. However, it is thought that glaucoma can occur if this angle becomes clogged up, causing fluid to build up inside the eye, and resulting in raised eye pressure. This raised pressure can then physically damage the optic nerve of the eye, leading to sight loss¹.

For some people, the eye pressure can be normal, but they still develop open angle glaucoma. It is thought that the cause relates to problems with blood flow to the optic nerve itself. If the optic nerve doesn’t receive sufficient nourishment from its blood supply, then the nerve can become damaged, leading to sight loss.

In either case, and whatever the cause of open angle glaucoma, it is a progressive condition that causes gradual sight loss over many years. Glaucoma usually starts off by affecting one eye first, so most people are unaware that they have it because the other eye compensates for any vision loss. As the condition progresses, both eyes can become affected but again, any symptoms can be missed because it is usually the peripheral vision (how well you see the things around you rather than what’s directly in front of you) that is affected first. It is only if glaucoma advances significantly that people become aware of sight loss – but by then the damage is done and it cannot be reversed.

How common is open angle glaucoma?

Although glaucoma is classed as a common eye condition, it affects a relatively low percentage of the UK population. It is more common with increasing age, affecting around 1 in 50 people over the age of 40 years, and increasing to 1 in 20 people aged over 80 years².

Am I at risk of glaucoma?

Glaucoma is more common in individuals with a family history of the condition and in those aged over 40 years². But, there are many other factors that can contribute to an increased risk of glaucoma, including:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 Diabetes 
• Myopia (Near-sightedness)
• Long-term treatment with corticosteroids, usually to treat arthritis and asthma
• Raynaud’s disease, a condition that causes reduced bloodflow to your extremities 

Learn more about glaucoma

Want to keep learning about glaucoma? From glaucoma-related eye signs to common causes and managing it in your day-to-day life, the resources below are full of useful information and insights into this eye condition.

GLAUCOMA FAQs

References:
1. The College of Optometrists
2. Glaucoma UK
3. Glaucoma Research Foundation

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