Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common eye condition causing abnormally high pressure in the eye, which damages the optic nerve.

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Glaucoma is a common eye condition causing abnormally high pressure in the eye, which damages the optic nerve. This results in progressive patterns of visual field loss and visual disturbances. A glaucoma attack is short in nature and poses an acute threat to the optic nerve and the eyesight. This emergency is accompanied by severe eye pain.

Symptoms

Typical signs

Damage to optic nerve, reduction in eyesight
Visual field losses (dark areas in the visual field)
Increased eye pressure (usually)

Acute glaucoma attack (angle-closure glaucoma)

Emergency: optic nerve can be irreparably damaged within a few hours
- Waiting worsens the chances of saving the eyesight
Drainage of intraocular fluid is suddenly blocked
Intraocular pressure increases rapidly in a short time
Severe eye pain and headache
Eye is palpably hard and usually red
Vision is sometimes foggy or veiled
Seeing halos (colourful rings around lights)
Reduced eyesight
Possible accompanying symptoms: dizziness, nausea or vomiting
In some few cases, a glaucoma attack affects both eyes simultaneously

Chronic glaucoma (open-angle glaucoma)

Symptoms often go unnoticed
Progressive deterioration of eyesight
Seeing halos (colourful rings around lights) is possible
Progressive patterns of visual field loss

Congenital glaucoma

Affects newborns/babies
Tearful, unusually big eye
Sensitivity to light
Eyelid cramp

Causes and treatment

Causes

Acute glaucoma
- Condition: flat anterior chamber (e.g. in far-sightedness)
- Trigger: chamber angle shifted by the iris, e.g. during fear reaction or darkness
- Constant production of intraocular fluid, drainage channel in eye chamber is too narrow or has shifted, intraocular pressure rises
Chronic glaucoma
- The cause is not known
Secondary glaucoma (can lead to a glaucoma attack)
- Previous eye disorder or general illness
- Medication (e.g. cortisone)
- Eye injuries
Risk factors
- > 65 years old
- Family predisposition
- Diabetes, high blood pressure

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Physical examination of eyeballs
Examination with slit lamp (anterior eye segment)
Ophthalmoscopy (examination of posterior eye segment)
Measurement of eye pressure
Visual field examination

Possible therapies

Reduce intraocular pressure (reduce production of intraocular fluid, improve drainage)
Improve blood circulation
Protect retina and optic nerve
Eye drops and medication are used
If insufficient: operation to reduce pressure in the eye

What can I do myself?

Pay attention to the eye’s warning signs
Follow a healthy lifestyle
Go for regular check-ups

Get a personal Preventive Care Recommendation now.

When to see a doctor?

An acute glaucoma attack requires immediate attention (emergency situation)
- Severe eye pain
- Hard, red eye
- Visual disturbances
- Possibly accompanied by nausea/vomiting
Surreal optic phenomena (flashes, fog, colourful rings around lights)
Chronic recurrent headaches
Progressive deterioration of eyesight
Regular check-ups (every 2 years) with eye doctor from the age of 40