Glaucoma describes a group of optic-nerve diseases that can affect vision. It may cause no early symptoms, so diagnosis and monitoring rely on examination and appropriate tests rather than how the eye feels.
Clear information to help you prepare for a conversation with an eye-care professional.
✳ Care explained with context
A clearer place to start
Understand the concern. Choose your next step.
Use this guide to learn what may be assessed and what questions to raise. It is educational information, not a diagnosis.
The guide
Glaucoma: The Silent Pressure Problem & Lifelong Management
01
What actually gets damaged
It is not the number alone but the optic nerve that matters. Pressure is the main risk lever, and lowering it — by whatever means — is how progression is slowed.
02
Who is at higher risk
Family history, age over 40, diabetes, high myopia, steroid use (including long-term eye drops), and previous eye injury. Higher-risk eyes deserve baseline checks even without symptoms.
03
How it is detected
Eye pressure, optic nerve examination, corneal thickness and visual field testing, plus OCT nerve-fibre analysis. One test alone never settles the diagnosis.
04
Treatment and monitoring
Drops, laser or surgery may be discussed depending on the type of glaucoma and test results. Treatment aims to reduce the risk of further damage; regular follow-up helps the clinician assess the response.
!
Do not wait
Please seek urgent assessment if you have
Sudden severe eye pain with nausea, halos and a red eye — possible acute angle closure; emergency.
These symptoms may need urgent care. Contact the hospital to check availability; if you cannot promptly reach an eye-care team, go to the nearest emergency service.
These answers are a starting point. Your clinician can advise based on an examination.
Can glaucoma be cured?+
Established optic-nerve damage generally cannot be restored, but treatment and monitoring may help reduce the risk of further loss. Individual outlook varies.
Do glaucoma drops have side effects?+
Some do; alternatives exist. Never stop drops without discussing substitution with your specialist.
Is glaucoma hereditary?+
Family history can affect risk. Relatives should tell their eye-care professional so screening advice can be based on personal history and examination.
Jain Eye Hospital & Laser Centre
A clear next step starts with a conversation.
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