Glaucoma is the term used for eye conditions which damage the optic nerve, with the potential to affect vision and even cause permanent sight loss. Glaucoma is often due to increased pressure within the eye, but can also arise due to a weakness in the optic nerve structure.^1,2,3,4,5,6

More than 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma. It is the leading cause of sight loss among working age people and around 1 in 10 people registered as blind have lost their sight because of glaucoma. However, only a small proportion of people with glaucoma lose their sight altogether.^4,6,7

The main risks for developing glaucoma are increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and ageing. Other risk factors include a family history, and of being of black, Hispanic or Asian ethnicity.^7,8

Symptoms can take a long time to become apparent as glaucoma is often painless, especially in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Damage is irreversible, with vision loss tending to start with the outer peripheral vision before gradually affecting central vision. That said, sudden severe eye pain and vision loss is typical of primary closed angle glaucoma (PCAG).^6,8