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Summary
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It usually happens when the fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, damaging the optic nerve. Often there are no symptoms at first. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral, or side vision. They seem to be looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains.
A comprehensive eye exam can tell if you have glaucoma. People at risk should get eye exams at least every two years. They include:
- African Americans over age 40
- People over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
- People with a family history of glaucoma
There is no cure, but glaucoma can usually be controlled. Early treatment can help protect your eyes against vision loss. Treatments usually include prescription eyedrops and/or surgery.
NIH: National Eye Institute
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Glaucoma
(National Eye Institute)
Also in Spanish
- Glaucoma: Symptoms and Causes (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Types of Glaucoma
(National Eye Institute)
- What Is Glaucoma? (American Academy of Ophthalmology) Also in Spanish
Diagnosis and Tests
- Dilating Eye Drops (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
- Glaucoma Diagnosis (BrightFocus Foundation)
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Glaucoma Tests
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
- Optic Nerve Imaging (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Screening for Glaucoma (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) - PDF
Learn More
- Don't Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight! (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Treatments and Therapies
- Alternative Medicine (Glaucoma Research Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Does Marijuana Help Treat Glaucoma or Other Eye Conditions? (American Academy of Ophthalmology) Also in Spanish
- Glaucoma Treatments (BrightFocus Foundation)
- Medication Guide (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Living With
- Glaucoma Eye Drops: Suggestions on Use (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Living with Glaucoma (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Living with Glaucoma (BrightFocus Foundation)
Related Issues
- African Americans and Glaucoma (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Diabetes and Your Eyesight (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
- Dry Eyes and Glaucoma: Double Trouble (Glaucoma Research Foundation)
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Talking with Your Eye Doctor
(National Eye Institute)
Also in Spanish
Genetics
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Early-onset glaucoma: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
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Nail-patella syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
Images
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How the Eyes Work
(National Eye Institute)
- View How Glaucoma May Affect Vision (BrightFocus Foundation)
Statistics and Research
- 10 Tips to Reduce Your Chance of Losing Vision from the Most Common Cause of Blindness (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
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Experimental Contact Lens to Prevent Glaucoma-Induced Blindness
(National Institute of General Medical Sciences)
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Eye Health Data and Statistics
(National Eye Institute)
Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Glaucoma
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Children
- Glaucoma (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Glaucoma for Children (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
Patient Handouts
- Glaucoma (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Ophthalmoscopy (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Standard ophthalmic exam (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Tonometry (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish