Glaucoma 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 National Eye Institute Related Issues African Americans and Glaucoma Glaucoma Research Foundation Diabetes and Your Eyesight (Glaucoma) Glaucoma Research Foundation Dry Eyes and Glaucoma: Double Trouble Glaucoma Research Foundation Importance of Corneal Thickness Glaucoma Research Foundation Talking to Your Doctor National Eye Institute Treatments and Therapies Alternative Medicine Glaucoma Research Foundation Does Marijuana Help Treat Glaucoma? American Academy of Ophthalmology Generic Medications: Are They the Same? Glaucoma Research Foundation Glaucoma Treatments and Drugs BrightFocus Foundation Medication Guide Glaucoma Research Foundation Find an Expert American Optometric Association American Optometric Association Find Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired American Foundation for the Blind National Eye Institute National Eye Institute Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Glaucoma National Institutes of Health Videos and Tutorials Coping with Glaucoma National Eye Institute Early Diagnosis, Timely Treatment National Eye Institute Glaucoma National Eye Institute Glaucoma Innovations in Pediatric Glaucoma Surgery OR-Live Living With Daily Life with Glaucoma Glaucoma Research Foundation Eye Drop Tips Glaucoma Research Foundation Recreation and Quality of Life BrightFocus Foundation Images Diagram of the Eye National Eye Institute Flow of Aqueous Humor BrightFocus Foundation How the Build Up of Aqueous Humor Can Damage the Optic Nerve BrightFocus Foundation View How Glaucoma May Affect Vision BrightFocus Foundation Diagnosis and Tests Dilating Eye Drops American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Five Common Glaucoma Tests Glaucoma Research Foundation Optic Nerve Imaging Glaucoma Research Foundation Screening for Glaucoma U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Children Does Your Child Have Glaucoma? Glaucoma Research Foundation Statistics and Research Experimental Contact Lens to Prevent Glaucoma-Induced Blindness National Institute of General Medical Sciences Glaucoma, Open-Angle National Eye Institute Study Finds a Connection between Glaucoma and Sleep Apnea American Academy of Ophthalmology Reference Desk Eye Anatomy Glaucoma Research Foundation Start Here Facts about Glaucoma National Eye Institute Glaucoma Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Glaucoma National Eye Institute Glaucoma National Eye Institute What Is Glaucoma? Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Genetics Genetics Home Reference: coloboma National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: early-onset glaucoma National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: isolated ectopia lentis National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: nail-patella syndrome National Library of Medicine NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Get Tested for Glaucoma! Glaucoma: Eye-to-Eye with Dr. Rachel Bishop Glaucoma: Screening Can Save Your Sight! Glaucoma: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Glaucoma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Latest Research Watch Out for Glaucoma Array Glaucoma Ophthalmoscopy Standard ophthalmic exam Tonometry Prevention and Risk Factors Glaucoma 17-Point Checklist Prevent Blindness America New Tool to Predict Glaucoma Glaucoma Research Foundation Symptoms Glaucoma Symptoms BrightFocus Foundation Journal Articles Glaucoma Specifics Types of Glaucoma Glaucoma Foundation