Glaucoma affects millions of people worldwide and remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness — yet most patients have no idea they have it until significant vision has already been lost.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the vital connection between your eye and your brain. In the most common form, damage is caused by elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). Because peripheral vision is affected first, and because the brain compensates by filling in the gaps, most people do not notice anything is wrong until the disease is well advanced.
Who Is at Risk?
Glaucoma does not discriminate, but certain groups carry a significantly higher risk:
- People over the age of 40
- Those with a family history of glaucoma
- Patients with diabetes or hypertension
- People who are very short-sighted (high myopia)
- Individuals who have used steroid eye drops or tablets for extended periods
- Anyone who has previously experienced an eye injury
How Is Glaucoma Detected?
The only reliable way to detect glaucoma early is through a comprehensive eye examination. At International Eye Hospital, our glaucoma screening includes measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry), inspection of the optic nerve head, corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry), and visual field testing. These tests are painless and take less than 30 minutes.
Can Glaucoma Be Treated?
Glaucoma cannot be cured and any vision already lost cannot be recovered — but the progression can be halted or significantly slowed. Treatment options include medicated eye drops to lower IOP, laser therapy (selective laser trabeculoplasty), and surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Early detection makes all the difference.
💡 If you are over 40 or have any risk factors, we recommend a glaucoma screening at least once every two years — even if your vision feels perfectly normal.
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