Can glaucoma be cured​?

Glaucoma cannot currently be cured, but treatment can help control it and protect your sight. The key is finding glaucoma early and starting the right treatment before too much damage occurs.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve. This nerve carries signals from your eye to your brain, helping you see. If the optic nerve becomes damaged, you can lose parts of your vision.

The good news is that treatment can often slow or stop further damage. Regular eye checks are one of the best ways to find glaucoma early.

What is glaucoma?

How glaucoma affects your eyes

Glaucoma happens when the optic nerve becomes damaged. In many cases, this is linked to pressure inside the eye.

Your eyes contain a clear fluid that is constantly made and drained. If this fluid does not drain properly, pressure inside the eye can rise. Over time, this may put stress on the optic nerve.

However, high eye pressure does not always mean you have glaucoma. Some people have high eye pressure but no damage to the optic nerve. Other people can develop glaucoma even when their eye pressure is within the normal range.

This is why glaucoma cannot be diagnosed by checking eye pressure alone.

Glaucoma can develop slowly

One of the problems with glaucoma is that it often develops without obvious symptoms.

You may not notice changes to your vision in the early stages. By the time you notice a problem, some damage may already have happened.

Any vision lost because of glaucoma cannot usually be restored. This makes early diagnosis and treatment very important.

Can glaucoma be cured?

Treatment can control glaucoma

There is currently no cure that can reverse the damage caused by glaucoma. However, treatment can help control the condition and reduce the risk of further sight loss.

The main aim of treatment is usually to lower eye pressure or reduce the effect of pressure on the optic nerve.

Your treatment will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, how advanced it is and your general eye health.

Treatment cannot bring back lost vision

It is important to understand what glaucoma treatment can and cannot do.

Treatment can help protect the vision you still have. It cannot usually repair optic nerve damage that has already happened.

This is why finding glaucoma early can make such a difference. If glaucoma is found before major damage occurs, treatment can help protect your sight for the future.

How is glaucoma treated?

Glaucoma eye drops

Prescription eye drops are often the first treatment for glaucoma.

These drops can help lower the pressure inside your eye. Some reduce the amount of fluid made in the eye, while others help the fluid drain more easily.

You may need to use your drops every day. It is important to follow the instructions given by your eye specialist, even if your eyes feel normal.

Glaucoma often has few symptoms, so you may not feel any different when your treatment is working.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment may be suitable for some people with glaucoma.

Different types of laser treatment work in different ways. Some help fluid drain from the eye more easily, which can lower eye pressure.

Laser treatment is carried out by an eye specialist and does not always mean you will need surgery.

Your specialist will explain whether laser treatment could be helpful for your type of glaucoma.

Glaucoma surgery

If eye drops or laser treatment do not control your eye pressure well enough, surgery may be considered.

There are different types of glaucoma surgery. The aim is to help fluid leave the eye more easily and lower eye pressure.

Surgery may sound worrying, but your eye specialist will explain the procedure, possible benefits and risks before you make a decision.

Can glaucoma get better on its own?

Glaucoma usually needs long-term care

Glaucoma does not normally go away without treatment.

Even if your eyes feel fine, the condition may still be causing damage. This is why regular appointments are important if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma.

Your eye specialist will monitor your eye pressure, optic nerve and vision over time. They can change your treatment if needed.

Following your treatment matters

If you have been prescribed glaucoma eye drops, using them as directed is an important part of protecting your sight.

It can be easy to forget drops, especially when you do not have any symptoms. Try to make them part of your daily routine.

If you have problems using your drops or experience side effects, speak to your eye care professional. There may be other treatment options available.

Can glaucoma cause permanent sight loss?

Glaucoma damage can be permanent

Glaucoma can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to serious sight loss and, in some cases, blindness.

This is why early diagnosis is so important.

Treatment does not mean that you will lose your sight. Many people with glaucoma keep useful vision for many years when the condition is found early and managed well.

Your eye specialist can help you understand your level of risk and create a treatment plan to protect your vision.

Who is more likely to get glaucoma?

Age can increase your risk

Your risk of glaucoma increases as you get older. This is one reason regular eye tests become more important with age.

Glaucoma can also affect younger people, so age does not completely protect you from the condition.

Family history can matter

Having a close family member with glaucoma can increase your risk.

If glaucoma runs in your family, tell your optometrist. They may recommend more regular checks to monitor your eyes.

Other factors can increase your risk

Some eye conditions, injuries and health problems may also increase the risk of glaucoma.

Certain medicines, including some steroid medicines, can also affect eye pressure in some people.

A full eye examination can help your eye care professional look for signs of glaucoma and other eye conditions.

How is glaucoma found?

Regular eye tests are important

A routine eye test can help find signs of glaucoma before you notice changes in your sight.

Your optometrist may check your eye pressure, examine the optic nerve and test your field of vision. They may also use other tests to get a closer look at the health of your eyes.

If glaucoma is suspected, you may be referred for further tests with an eye specialist.

Early treatment can protect your sight

The sooner glaucoma is found, the sooner treatment can begin.

While treatment cannot undo existing optic nerve damage, it can help slow or stop further damage. This can help protect the vision you still have.

That is why it is important not to wait until you notice changes in your sight before having your eyes checked.

When should you get urgent help?

Sudden symptoms need attention

Most glaucoma develops slowly. However, a type called acute angle-closure glaucoma can develop suddenly.

It can cause severe eye pain, a red eye, sudden blurred vision, a severe headache, nausea or vomiting. You may also see coloured rings around lights.

These symptoms need urgent medical attention. If they happen suddenly, seek urgent help rather than waiting for a routine eye appointment.

What does living with glaucoma mean?

Glaucoma does not have to stop you living normally

A glaucoma diagnosis can sound worrying, but it does not mean you will automatically lose your sight.

With regular checks and the right treatment, many people manage glaucoma for many years.

The most important thing is to understand your condition, use any treatment as advised and attend your follow-up appointments.

Your eye care team can monitor your eyes and help protect your vision over time.

Protect your vision with regular eye care

Glaucoma cannot currently be cured, but it can often be managed. Treatment can lower eye pressure and help protect the optic nerve from further damage.

Because glaucoma can develop without obvious symptoms, regular eye checks are one of the most important steps you can take for your eye health.

If you are thinking about vision correction or lens surgery, knowing more about your eye health is also an important part of understanding which options may be suitable for you.

Take our quick suitability self-test to find out more about your options and take the first step towards clearer vision.

Your best vision could still be ahead of you.