Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve without symptoms until visual loss is irreversible.
Healthlife Editorial Team
Medical writers
In simple terms
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve without symptoms until visual loss is irreversible.
What you need to remember
- Treatment — Eye-drops (prostaglandin analogues), laser (SLT), or surgery to lower intraocular pressure.
Screening after 40, earlier with African descent, family history, or high myopia.
Treatment
Eye-drops (prostaglandin analogues), laser (SLT), or surgery to lower intraocular pressure.
Lost vision cannot be recovered; screening prevents blindness.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Prevention
- Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.
- Screening
- A check-up done before you feel ill, to catch a problem early.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight?
- Glaucoma damages the optic nerve without symptoms until visual loss is irreversible.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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