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What causes glaucoma?

Damage to the optic nerve is thought to be caused by increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). This may result from excess fluid, called aqueous humor, building up in the eye because the eye produces too much or drains too little of the fluid. However, many cases of glaucoma develop without increased IOP. In these cases, decreased blood flow to the optic nerve may cause the damage.
Glaucoma may develop after an eye injury, after eye surgery, from the growth of an eye tumor, or as a complication of a medical condition such as diabetes. Certain medications (corticosteroids) may cause glaucoma when they are used to treat eye inflammation or other diseases. Glaucoma that develops as a result of another condition is called secondary glaucoma.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Your health professional will take a medical history and do a physical exam. If glaucoma is suspected, you usually will be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for further testing and treatment. The initial evaluation by a specialist may require up to 3 visits.

How is it treated?
Treatment for glaucoma focuses on preserving eyesight by slowing the damage to the nerve in the back of the eye (optic nerve). Most treatment aims to prevent further damage to the optic nerve by lowering the pressure in the eyes (intraocular pressure, or IOP).
Glaucoma is usually treated with medications such as eye drops. Laser treatment or surgery is often needed.

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