Glaucoma: What It Is, How It Affects Your Eyes, and What You Can Do About It

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye that sends visual info to your brain. Most people hear about it as the “silent thief of sight” because it often shows no symptoms until the damage is already done. The main culprit? Too much fluid pressure inside the eye, also called intra‑ocular pressure (IOP).

Why Eye Pressure Builds Up

Inside every eye is a clear liquid called aqueous humor. It flows in, nourishes the eye, then drains out through a tiny meshwork near the front of the eye. If the drainage system gets clogged or works too slowly, pressure builds up. Over time that pressure pushes on the optic nerve fibers, causing them to die.

There are a few common reasons the drainage can fail:

• Age: The drainage pathway naturally narrows as you get older.
• Family history: If a parent or sibling has glaucoma, your risk goes up.
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain eye injuries raise the odds.
• Medication side effects: Long‑term steroid eye drops can increase pressure.

Spotting Glaucoma Early

Because early glaucoma often feels normal, regular eye exams are the only reliable way to catch it. An eye doctor will measure your IOP, look at the optic nerve, and test your peripheral (side) vision. If you notice any of these warning signs, call your optometrist right away:

• Loss of side vision – you might notice “tunnel vision” or trouble seeing objects at the edge of your sight.
• Blurred or hazy vision, especially after bright light.
• Seeing halos around lights.
• Eye pain, nausea, or sudden vision loss – these could mean an acute angle‑closure glaucoma attack, which needs emergency care.

Most people with glaucoma don’t experience pain; they just lose vision gradually. That’s why routine check‑ups matter.

Treatment Options That Keep Vision Safe

Glaucoma isn’t curable, but you can slow or stop its progression. Doctors usually start with eye drops that lower IOP. The drops work by either reducing fluid production or helping it drain better.

If drops aren’t enough, other choices include:

• Laser therapy: Tiny laser pulses open up drainage channels (laser trabeculoplasty) or shrink fluid‑producing tissue (laser iridotomy).
• Surgery: A small tube or implant creates a new drainage path (trabeculectomy or tube shunt).

Most patients stay on medication for life, but regular follow‑ups let doctors adjust treatment if pressure changes.

Everyday Habits to Lower Your Risk

While you can’t control genetics, certain lifestyle tweaks help keep eye pressure in check:

• Exercise regularly: Walking, swimming, or cycling lowers IOP a bit and improves blood flow to the eyes.
• Eat eye‑friendly foods: Greens, berries, and fish high in omega‑3s support overall eye health.
• Stay hydrated, but don’t overdo it: Drinking water in short bursts rather than gulping large amounts at once prevents sudden pressure spikes.
• Avoid smoking: Smoke damages blood vessels that feed the optic nerve.
• Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays whenever you’re outdoors.

If you’re already on glaucoma medication, never skip a dose. Missing drops can cause pressure to rise quickly, undoing weeks of treatment.

Bottom Line

Glaucoma is serious, but it’s manageable when you know the facts and stay on top of eye care. Schedule an eye exam at least once every two years (more often if you have risk factors), pay attention to any changes in your vision, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. A few simple habits can also make a difference. Protecting your sight today means you’ll still be able to enjoy the world tomorrow.