What is Glaucoma

What Is Glaucoma?

Understanding Glaucoma and Vision Loss

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, the structure responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can result in permanent vision loss if not detected and managed early.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Because it often develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms, many people are unaware they have the disease until vision loss has already occurred. For this reason, glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight.”

The Optic Nerve and Glaucoma

The defining feature of glaucoma is optic nerve damage.

The optic nerve is composed of over one million specialized nerve fibers called retinal ganglion cells. These cells are highly metabolically active and depend on healthy energy production, blood flow, and cellular resilience to function properly.

In glaucoma, these nerve cells become vulnerable to:

  • Mechanical stress

  • Reduced blood flow

  • Oxidative stress

  • Impaired cellular energy metabolism

Over time, this leads to progressive loss of nerve fibers and corresponding loss of vision.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Inside the eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor is constantly produced and drained to maintain normal eye pressure. When this drainage system becomes less efficient, fluid can accumulate, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP).

Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor for optic nerve damage, but it is important to understand:

  • Not all glaucoma patients have high eye pressure

  • Optic nerve damage can occur even when eye pressure is within the normal range

This is why glaucoma is now understood as a disease influenced by multiple factors, not eye pressure alone.

Beyond Eye Pressure

Lowering eye pressure remains the primary focus of glaucoma treatment. However, modern research has shown that optic nerve health is also influenced by additional factors, including:

  • Cellular energy production (mitochondrial function)

  • Oxidative stress

  • Blood flow to the optic nerve

  • Neuronal resilience over time

This broader understanding highlights why glaucoma requires lifelong monitoring and a comprehensive approach to eye health.

Types of Glaucoma

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

The most common form of glaucoma. It develops gradually and typically has no early symptoms. Vision loss usually begins in the peripheral (side) vision.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

A less common but more urgent form of glaucoma caused by sudden blockage of fluid drainage. This can result in rapid eye pressure elevation and requires immediate medical attention.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure readings. Factors such as blood flow and cellular susceptibility may play a role.

Secondary and Congenital Glaucoma

  • Secondary glaucoma results from other eye conditions, injuries, or medications.

  • Congenital glaucoma is present at birth and is rare.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

In its early stages, glaucoma often causes no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision

  • Blind spots in the visual field

  • Difficulty with night vision

  • Halos around lights

  • Eye pain, headache, nausea, or blurred vision (more common in acute angle-closure glaucoma)

Because symptoms may not appear until advanced stages, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential.

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:

  • Measurement of intraocular pressure

  • Examination of the optic nerve

  • Visual field testing to detect vision loss

  • Imaging to assess optic nerve structure

  • Evaluation of the eye’s drainage angle

Early detection allows for timely intervention and better long-term outcomes.

Managing Glaucoma

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly slow disease progression and help preserve vision.

Medical management may include:

  • Prescription eye drops

  • Oral medications

  • Laser procedures

  • Surgical or minimally invasive glaucoma procedures

Patients with glaucoma should remain under the ongoing care of an eye care professional.

Supporting Long-Term Eye Health

Glaucoma is a lifelong condition that requires continued attention to optic nerve health. In addition to prescribed medical treatments, maintaining overall eye health includes:

  • Regular eye examinations

  • Adherence to prescribed therapies

  • Attention to cardiovascular and metabolic health

  • A focus on cellular health and resilience over time

Nutritional strategies may play a supportive role in overall eye health, but they are not a replacement for medical treatment.

Important Medical Disclaimer

Glaucoma requires diagnosis and treatment by a qualified eye care professional. Nutritional supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent glaucoma and should not replace prescribed medical therapies or routine eye examinations.