Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries images from the eye to the brain, allowing one to see. When the optic nerve is damaged in glaucoma, peripheral vision, the vision outside of one's central focus, becomes diminished. If glaucoma goes undetected or untreated, it may progress to blindness. Usually there are no symptoms, no pain, and the awareness of vision loss occurs only after significant and irreversible nerve damage has already occurred. Diagnosis of glaucoma requires an eye examination, including not only eye pressure measurement, but also examination of the optic nerve and visual fields. Treatment involves control of eye pressure, most often using medication in the form of eye drops, laser procedures or surgery.
© Copyright 2005 Jon Gross, MD
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