The optic nerve is located in the back of the eye and transfers visual information from the retina to the brain. Glaucoma is a disease in which pressure causes damage to the optic nerves, which (if untreated) can lead to progressive and permanent vision loss. Those with a family history of glaucoma may be at higher risk of developing glaucoma, but anyone can have it and the risk increases as we age. Most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms, so the only way to diagnose glaucoma is with regular eye exams and testing by an eye doctor.
Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early treatment and regular testing can often slow the damage and protect your vision. There are various causes of glaucoma and depending on the problem, treatment options may vary. Treatment for glaucoma involves lowering the eye pressure and in most cases this is achieved with the use of eye drops or painless in-office laser treatment. For more advanced cases, there are surgical options as well. With proper treatment, most glaucoma patients keep good vision throughout their life.