Glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It is usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye which increases pressure inside the eye.
Glaucoma is more common than you think. It affects 1 in 50 people in the UK who are over 40 increasing to 1 in 10 over the age of 75.
You are more at risk if a close blood relative already has Glaucoma, if you are diabetic or if you have used steroids for a long time.
There are often no early symptoms which is why many people don’t know they have it. Glaucoma affects your peripheral vision first, which is the vision to the sides and up and down. It’s what you use for getting around without bumping into things or missing that bottom step off the stairs.
Glaucoma can lead to permanent loss of vision if it isn’t diagnosed and treated early. Without treatment sight loss can slowly progress so that your field of vision becomes so narrow it is like you are looking through a tunnel and if left untreated your central vision would be affected.
If you do notice any symptoms these may include blurred vision or rainbow coloured circles around bright lights.
A regular sight 
test every 2 years is so important as Glaucoma can be detected during this simple routine at your local high street optometrist.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma and would like more information on this eye condition then please contact Linda Sethi, Eye Clinic Liaison Officer at N-Vision 01253 362696.