nih-gov/www.nei.nih.gov/node/5
2025-02-26 13:17:41 -05:00

1305 lines
44 KiB
Text
Raw Permalink Blame History

This file contains invisible Unicode characters

This file contains invisible Unicode characters that are indistinguishable to humans but may be processed differently by a computer. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

This file contains Unicode characters that might be confused with other characters. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en" dir="ltr">
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8" />
<meta name="description" content="Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of glaucoma." />
<meta name="google" content="vityevxlt8UuVFWvgz9_YwmJ5F0Nby_B3t54LLh-3Zw,lACaj571Gx_VdLF3HKSKUf1Wxx0H_bWxO3BYDZ_C1uw" />
<meta name="google-site-verification" content="vityevxlt8UuVFWvgz9_YwmJ5F0Nby_B3t54LLh-3Zw" />
<meta name="google-site-verification" content="lACaj571Gx_VdLF3HKSKUf1Wxx0H_bWxO3BYDZ_C1uw" />
<meta name="google-site-verification" content="UDfyeEAWNX_rJUHwog9j1kziEnByGwhkSJGLJclUWDA" />
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
<script type="application/ld+json">{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@graph": [
{
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma",
"breadcrumb": {
"@type": "BreadcrumbList",
"itemListElement": [
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 1,
"name": "Home",
"item": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 2,
"name": "Learn About Eye Health",
"item": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 3,
"name": "Eye Conditions and Diseases",
"item": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 4,
"name": "Glaucoma",
"item": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma"
}
]
},
"author": {
"@type": "GovernmentOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.nei.nih.gov",
"name": "National Eye Institute",
"url": "https://www.nei.nih.gov"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "GovernmentOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.nei.nih.gov",
"name": "National Eye Institute",
"url": "https://www.nei.nih.gov"
}
}
]
}</script>
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/themes/custom/nei/images/favicon.png" />
<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/themes/custom/nei/images/apple-touch-icon.png" />
<meta name="last-updated" content="Dec 10, 2024, 4:18:05 PM" />
<link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/nei/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="es" href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/espanol/aprenda-sobre-la-salud-ocular/enfermedades-y-afecciones-de-los-ojos/glaucoma" />
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma" />
<link rel="shortlink" href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/node/5" />
<title>Glaucoma | National Eye Institute</title>
<link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/nei/fonts/Aleo-Bold.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/nei/fonts/Lato-Regular.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_PGSk_7b88hq2qr_--_38MLvoj1ffr9jv3JhnNJTnKUM.css?delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nei&amp;include=eJw1ytEKgCAMRuEXsnwk-dMxrOliTqi3j4iuDnycfFCprpbyHK4tDb-FRvwSshrFYvOErNhxBUHnCaYEcbJ_61Qji26Q5ZXa-QH_YCJ9" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/themes/custom/nei/css/style.css?sraguf" />
<script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/5","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","gtag":{"tagId":"","consentMode":false,"otherIds":[],"events":[],"additionalConfigInfo":[]},"suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"ajaxPageState":{"libraries":"eJxdjFsOwjAMBC8U6iNFbmKZgPNQ7BTK6SmgCsrPrndkTbhSTFa7D0OtZq-2Cil8yoWOj5WYYT8c18pC3pCBt_jfE17wfoTZCRYeyORRjPruLmhpIS-b2EvFmArD73CFErDUGeWkoadmekCb5fXVsCN3bGeF2EdDmb5kGqWNWZKeKTpd1SjDjEpuSXRTeOeUaxxCT9WYZ50","theme":"nei","theme_token":null},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"form_action_p_pvdeGsVG5zNF_XLGPTvYSKCf43t8qZYSwcfZl2uzM":true},"gtm":{"tagId":null,"settings":{"data_layer":"dataLayer","include_classes":false,"allowlist_classes":"google\nnonGooglePixels\nnonGoogleScripts\nnonGoogleIframes","blocklist_classes":"customScripts\ncustomPixels","include_environment":false,"environment_id":"","environment_token":""},"tagIds":["GTM-TLVNS7W"]},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"c48594e108b5c1c2bea409821b71477d5bc2724c8cae6d31f1d985af0daab85c"}}</script>
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_WgzMsgqb-MiW-Z2aLffGQHepZwX2hWrEHSrb46WqZrk.js?scope=header&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nei&amp;include=eJxdjEEOgCAMBD-E9kmkYrOpqdQAMerr5eBBvUx29jCp8HUKQOkZAe4wiY1B6Pj7yAsf33MNmZvuEq0nojnPmkFvCVmUYD6xDTUV3Vq9ATUbLxk"></script>
<script src="https://script.crazyegg.com/pages/scripts/0117/6571.js" async></script>
<script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtag.js?sraguf"></script>
<script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtm.js?sraguf"></script>
</head>
<body class="t-disease t-node__5 path-learn-about-eye-health-eye-conditions-and-diseases-glaucoma">
<a href="#main-content" class="u-skip-link">
Skip to content
</a>
<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-TLVNS7W"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>
<div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas>
<div id="u-page-outer" class="u-outer">
<div class="views-element-container site-notice-block" id="block-views-block-site-notices-block-1">
<div>
<div class="js-view-dom-id-72cc1632abbd95ff8cb03c6ae8981e019774d612a073afaf82d31d2acd4b8a84 site-notices">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<img src="/themes/custom/nei/images/NEI-logo-tagline.svg" alt="" width="200" height="48" class="u-print-only">
<div class="r-global-header">
<div id="r-header-outer" class="r-header">
<div class="r-header-inner">
<div id="block-nei-branding" class="o-block--logo" role="banner">
<div class="o-logo">
<a href="/" class="o-logo__link" title="Home" rel="home"><span class="o-logo__text">National Eye Institute</span> <span class="o-logo__tagline">Research Today&hellip; Vision Tomorrow</span></a>
</div>
</div>
<div id="block-neimenubutton-2">
<div class="o-menu-toggle"><button class="o-menu-toggle__btn" id="menu-toggle__btn" aria-controls="block-mainnavigation" aria-expanded="true">Menu</button></div>
</div>
<div class="language-switcher-language-url" id="block-languageswitcher" role="navigation" aria-label="Language switcher">
<ul class="links">
<li class="is-active">
<a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma" class="language-link is-active" lang="en" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5" aria-current="page">English</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/espanol/aprenda-sobre-la-salud-ocular/enfermedades-y-afecciones-de-los-ojos/glaucoma" class="language-link is-active" lang="es" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5" aria-current="page"> Español</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="search-global c-search--global" data-drupal-selector="search-global" id="block-globalsearchform" role="search">
<form action="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma" method="post" id="search-global" accept-charset="UTF-8">
<div class="c-form__inner">
<div class="js-form-item form-item js-form-type-textfield form-item-global-terms js-form-item-global-terms">
<label for="edit-global-terms">Search the site</label>
<input data-drupal-selector="edit-global-terms" type="text" id="edit-global-terms" name="global-terms" value="" size="30" maxlength="128" placeholder="Search the site" class="form-text" />
</div>
<input data-drupal-selector="form-chluv5uibtjh88ookdwjgzo4zdyl7noyo4lkctt7r54" type="hidden" name="form_build_id" value="form-CHluV5UiBTJh88ooKdWjgZO4zDyl7NoYo4lKctt7r54" />
<input data-drupal-selector="edit-search-global" type="hidden" name="form_id" value="search_global" />
<div data-drupal-selector="edit-global-actions" class="form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" id="edit-global-actions"><input data-drupal-selector="edit-global-submit" type="submit" id="edit-global-submit" name="op" value="Search" class="button js-form-submit form-submit" />
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="r-menu-primary">
<nav aria-label="Main navigation" id="block-mainnavigation" class="o-menu-main__outer">
<ul class="o-menu o-menu-main"> <li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--expanded o-menu-main__item--no-js o-menu-main__item--active-trail"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/39">Learn About Eye Health</a>
<ul class="o-menu o-menu-main__submenu"> <li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/788">Healthy Vision</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed o-menu-main__item--active-trail"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases">Eye Conditions and Diseases</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-health-data-and-statistics" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/825">Eye Health Data and Statistics</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/campaigns" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3859">Campaigns</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/vision-rehabilitation" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3865">Vision Rehabilitation</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/nei-for-kids" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/162">NEI for Kids</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/125">Outreach Resources</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--expanded o-menu-main__item--no-js"> <a href="/grants-and-training" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/143">Grants and Training</a>
<ul class="o-menu-main__submenu o-menu"> <li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/grants-and-training/how-apply" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/145">How to Apply</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/funding-opportunities" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/144">Funding Opportunities</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/training-nei" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/146">Training at NEI</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/funding-training-and-career-development" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/152">Funding for Training and Career Development</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/policies-and-procedures" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/149">Policies and Procedures</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/grants-and-training/Prior-Approval-Requests" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3918">Prior Approval Requests</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/resources-researchers" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/150">Resources for Researchers</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/contact-grants-and-funding-staff" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/151">Contact Grants and Funding Staff</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--expanded o-menu-main__item--no-js"> <a href="/research" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41">Research at NEI</a>
<ul class="o-menu-main__submenu o-menu"> <li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/about/news-and-events/news" title="Research News" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="about/news-and-events/news">Research News</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/research/clinical-trials" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/132">Clinical Trials</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/research/research-labs-and-branches" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/270">Research Labs and Branches</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/research/jobs-and-training-opportunities-nei" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/564">Jobs and Training Opportunities at NEI</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/research/seminars" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4048">NEI Research Seminars</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--expanded o-menu-main__item--no-js"> <a href="/about" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/275">About NEI</a>
<ul class="o-menu-main__submenu o-menu"> <li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/about/strategic-planning" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/2857">Strategic Planning</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/news-and-events" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/131">News and Events</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/goals-and-accomplishments" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/281">Goals and Accomplishments</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/nei-history" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/282">NEI History</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/nei-leadership" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/415">NEI Leadership</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/budget-and-congress" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/395">Budget and Congress</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/advisory-committees" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285">Advisory Committees</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/national-eye-health-education-program" title="National Eye Health Education Program" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/265">National Eye Health Education Program</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/about/donate-nei" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/286">Donate to NEI</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
<div class="o-overlay" aria-hidden="true"></div>
<div class="r-breadcrumb">
<div id="block-nei-breadcrumbs">
<nav aria-label="Breadcrumb">
<ol class="c-breadcrumb">
<li>
<a href="/">Home</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/learn-about-eye-health">Learn About Eye Health</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases">Eye Conditions and Diseases</a>
</li>
<li>
Glaucoma
</li>
</ol>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
<div class="r-page-header">
<div class="o-page-header">
<div id="block-neiprintbutton-2">
<div class="c-print-page"><a class="c-print-page__btn" href="javascript:window.print()">Print this Page</a></div>
</div>
<div id="block-nei-page-title">
<h1>
<span>Glaucoma</span>
</h1>
</div>
<div id="block-jumpmenu-2">
<div class="c-jump-menu">
<div class="c-jump-menu__intro">On this page:</div>
<a class="c-jump-menu__item" href="#section-id-5459">Types</a>
<a class="c-jump-menu__item" href="#section-id-29">Symptoms</a>
<a class="c-jump-menu__item" href="#section-id-31">Risk</a>
<a class="c-jump-menu__item" href="#section-id-37">Causes</a>
<a class="c-jump-menu__item" href="#section-id-41">Diagnosis</a>
<a class="c-jump-menu__item" href="#section-id-46">Treatment</a>
<a class="c-jump-menu__item" href="#section-id-50">Research</a>
<a class="c-jump-menu__item" href="#section-id-51">Resources</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="r-highlighted">
<div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div>
</div>
<div class="r-help">
</div>
<main id="main-content" class="r-main">
<div class="r-pre-content">
<div class="views-element-container" id="block-views-block-nei-disease-subpage-list-block-2">
<div>
<div class="js-view-dom-id-f8859fccdf63ba76cd157dcfa9882108d51f5541cdfde4ee16091a7554bb7791 nei-disease-subpage-list">
<div class="views-row"><div class="c-at-a-glance">
<div class="c-at-a-glance__image">
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2019-01/eyechart.jpg?itok=Di0eAMPa" width="600" height="600" alt="Eye chart." title="eyechart.jpg" />
</div>
<div class="c-at-a-glance__content">
<h2 class="c-at-a-glance__title">At a glance: Glaucoma</h2>
<ul><li><div class="c-at-a-glance__item">
<strong class="c-at-a-glance__label">Early Symptoms:</strong>
<div class="c-at-a-glance__description"><p>Often none</p></div>
</div>
</li><li><div class="c-at-a-glance__item">
<strong class="c-at-a-glance__label">Later Symptoms:</strong>
<div class="c-at-a-glance__description"><p>Loss of side (peripheral) vision, blind spots, blindness</p></div>
</div>
</li><li><div class="c-at-a-glance__item">
<strong class="c-at-a-glance__label">Diagnosis:</strong>
<div class="c-at-a-glance__description"><p>Dilated eye exam with visual field testing</p></div>
</div>
</li><li><div class="c-at-a-glance__item">
<strong class="c-at-a-glance__label">Treatment:</strong>
<div class="c-at-a-glance__description"><p>Medicine (usually eye drops), laser treatment, surgery</p></div>
</div>
</li></ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="r-splitter">
<div class="r-content">
<div id="block-nei-content">
<article data-history-node-id="5">
<div class="c-section" id="section-id-23">
<h2 class="c-section__heading">
What is glaucoma?
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve.</p><p>The symptoms can start so slowly that you may not notice them. The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.</p><p>Theres no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-section" id="section-id-5459">
<h2 class="c-section__heading">
What are the types of glaucoma?
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>There are many different types of glaucoma, but the most common type in the United States is called <strong>open-angle glaucoma</strong> —thats what most people mean when they talk about glaucoma. Other types are less common, like angle-closure glaucoma and congenital glaucoma.</p>
</div>
<div class="c-link">
<a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/types-glaucoma" class="c-link__link">Learn more about the types of glaucoma</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-section" id="section-id-29">
<h2 class="c-section__heading">
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>At first, glaucoma doesnt usually have any symptoms. Thats why half of people with glaucoma dont even know they have it.</p><p>Over time, you may slowly lose vision, usually starting with your side (peripheral) vision — especially the part of your vision thats closest to your nose. Because it happens so slowly, many people cant tell that their vision is changing at first.</p><p>But as the disease gets worse, you may start to notice that you cant see things off to the side anymore. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-section" id="section-id-31">
<h2 class="c-section__heading">
Am I at risk for glaucoma?
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people are at higher risk. Youre at higher risk if you:</p><ul><li>Are over age 60, especially if youre Hispanic/Latino</li><li>Are African American and over age 40</li><li>Have a family history of glaucoma</li></ul><p>Talk with your doctor about your risk for glaucoma, and ask how often you need to get checked. If youre at higher risk, you need to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-callout c-callout--wide c-callout--rounded" id="section-id-32">
<figure class="c-callout__image">
<img src="https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/styles/400px_square_crop/public/2019-01/GlaucomaHelp.jpg?itok=AiS_r3Eb" alt="A person gets an eye exam." />
</figure>
<div class="c-callout__content">
<h2 class="c-callout__heading">
When to get help right away
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Angle-closure glaucoma can cause these sudden symptoms:</p><ul><li>Intense eye pain</li><li>Upset stomach (nausea)</li><li>Red eye</li><li>Blurry vision</li></ul><p><strong>If you have any of these symptoms, go to your doctor or an emergency room now.</strong></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-section" id="section-id-37">
<h2 class="c-section__heading">
What causes glaucoma?
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Scientists arent sure what causes the most common types of glaucoma, but many people with glaucoma have high eye pressure — and treatments that lower eye pressure help to slow the disease.</p>
</div>
<div class="c-link">
<a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/causes" class="c-link__link">Learn more about eye pressure and glaucoma</a>
</div>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Theres no way to prevent glaucoma. Thats why eye exams are so important — so you and your doctor can find it before it affects your vision.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-section" id="section-id-41">
<h2 class="c-section__heading">
How will my eye doctor check for glaucoma?
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Eye doctors can check for glaucoma as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The exam is simple and painless — your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and then check your eyes for glaucoma and other eye problems. The exam includes a visual field test to check your side vision.</p>
</div>
<div class="c-link">
<a href="/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/get-dilated-eye-exam" class="c-link__link">Learn what to expect from a dilated eye exam </a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-callout c-callout--wide c-callout--rounded" id="section-id-42">
<figure class="c-callout__image">
<img src="https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/styles/400px_square_crop/public/2019-01/DidYouKnow.jpg?itok=I92Bk_ps" alt="Did you know graphic." />
</figure>
<div class="c-callout__content">
<h2 class="c-callout__heading">
Did you know?
</h2>
<div class="c-list">
<ul class="c-list--ul">
<li class="c-list__item">
<span class="c-list__icon--empty"></span>
<span class="c-list__text">
<p>Glaucoma can happen in 1 eye or both eyes</p>
</span>
</li>
<li class="c-list__item">
<span class="c-list__icon--empty"></span>
<span class="c-list__text">
<p>Some people with high eye pressure dont get glaucoma — and theres a type of glaucoma that happens in people with normal eye pressure</p>
</span>
</li>
<li class="c-list__item">
<span class="c-list__icon--empty"></span>
<span class="c-list__text">
<p>Normal eye pressure varies by person — whats normal for 1 person could be high for another</p>
</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-section" id="section-id-46">
<h2 class="c-section__heading">
Whats the treatment for glaucoma?
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Doctors use different types of treatment for glaucoma, including medicines (usually eye drops), laser treatment, and surgery.</p><p>If you have glaucoma, its important to start treatment right away. Treatment wont undo any damage to your vision, but it can stop it from getting worse.</p>
</div>
<div class="c-list">
<ul class="c-list--ul">
<li class="c-list__item">
<span class="c-list__icon">
<div>
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/2019-03/icon_grey_medicine.png?itok=cizn_FSY" width="103" height="102" alt="" />
</div>
</span>
<span class="c-list__text">
<p><strong>Medicines.</strong> Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment. They lower the pressure in your eye and prevent damage to your optic nerve.</p><p><a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/glaucoma-medicines">Learn more about glaucoma medicines</a></p>
</span>
</li>
<li class="c-list__item">
<span class="c-list__icon">
<div>
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/2019-03/icon_grey_laser.png?itok=EZYKj7LG" width="103" height="102" alt="" />
</div>
</span>
<span class="c-list__text">
<p><strong>Laser treatment.</strong> To lower your eye pressure, doctors can use lasers to help the fluid drain out of your eye. Its a simple procedure that your doctor can do in the office.</p><p><a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/treatment">Learn more about laser treatment for glaucoma</a></p>
</span>
</li>
<li class="c-list__item">
<span class="c-list__icon">
<div>
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/2019-03/icon_grey_hospital.png?itok=ZUaRqbN2" width="102" height="102" alt="" />
</div>
</span>
<span class="c-list__text">
<p><strong>Surgery.</strong> If medicines and laser treatment dont work, your doctor might suggest surgery. There are several different types of surgery that can help the fluid drain out of your eye.</p><p><a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/glaucoma-surgery">Learn more about glaucoma surgery</a></p>
</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Talk over your options with your doctor. While glaucoma is a serious disease, treatment works well. Remember these tips:</p><ul><li>If your doctor prescribes medicine, be sure to take it every day</li><li>Tell your doctor if your treatment causes side effects</li><li>See your doctor for regular check-ups</li><li>If youre having trouble with everyday activities because of your vision loss, ask your doctor about vision rehabilitation services or devices that could help</li><li>Encourage family members to get checked for glaucoma, since it can run in families</li></ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-callout c-callout--wide c-callout--rounded" id="section-id-13920">
<figure class="c-callout__image">
<img src="https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/styles/400px_square_crop/public/2020-03/NEI_TWYD_Glaucoma.jpg?itok=M1zDJS15" alt="A doctor chatting with two patients " />
</figure>
<div class="c-callout__content">
<h2 class="c-callout__heading">
Featured Resource: Talk With Your Doctor About Glaucoma
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Do you have glaucoma? This guide makes it easy to talk with your doctor about your condition. It includes:</p><ul><li>Information about glaucoma</li><li>Questions for the doctor</li><li>A symptom tracker</li></ul>
</div>
<div class="c-link">
<a href="/learn-about-eye-health/resources-for-health-educators/outreach-materials/talk-your-doctor-about-glaucoma" class="c-link__link">Get the guide </a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-section" id="section-id-50">
<h2 class="c-section__heading">
What is the latest research on glaucoma?
</h2>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Scientists are studying what causes glaucoma and how we can find it earlier and treat it better. NEI also funds research on new treatment options.</p>
</div>
<div class="c-link">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?topic=12&amp;initiatives=All&amp;research=All&amp;source=All&amp;created=All&amp;language=All" class="c-link__link">Get the latest news on NEI-supported glaucoma research </a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-callout c-callout--wide c-callout--rounded" id="section-id-51">
<figure class="c-callout__image">
<img src="https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/styles/400px_square_crop/public/2019-07/Resources_2.jpg?itok=1J5rZ0v0" alt="Doctor shaking hand." />
</figure>
<div class="c-callout__content">
<h2 class="c-callout__heading">
Glaucoma Resources
</h2>
<div class="c-link">
<a href="https://medialibrary.nei.nih.gov/search?keywords=glaucoma&amp;photographer=&amp;orientation=All&amp;type=image" class="c-link__link">Check out our media library of glaucoma photos and illustrations </a>
</div>
<div class="c-link">
<a href="/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-campaigns-and-resources/glaucoma-resources" class="c-link__link">See our materials for community health educators </a>
</div>
<div class="c-link">
<a href="/learn-about-eye-health/resources-for-health-educators/outreach-materials?topic=12&amp;type=All&amp;audience=All&amp;language=All" class="c-link__link">Get flyers, booklets, and other resources to print or download </a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
<p class="views-element-container c-last-updated" id="block-views-block-nei-last-updated-block-1"><strong>Last updated:</strong> December 10, 2024</p>
</div>
<aside class="r-sidebar" role="complementary">
<div class="views-element-container" id="block-views-block-nei-sidebar-block-1">
<div>
<div class="js-view-dom-id-0eb1aa60bd9e801230e2777df877de79c31f7335ec8eedffd4d58078cd7feba4 nei-sidebar">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="views-element-container c-sidebar-widget" id="block-views-block-news-page-block-6">
<div class="c-sidebar-widget__header">
<h2 class="c-sidebar-widget__title">Research News</h2>
</div>
<div class="c-sidebar-widget__list">
<div>
<div class="js-view-dom-id-a6edd37d9ed689c485ccda7ef2d2ec49aa9ef1602b847b73c0b26a510aeb151d news-page news-page--block_6">
<div class="c-sidebar-widget__list-item views-row">
<div class="c-sidebar-widget__list-image">
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-12/ONH.jpg?itok=J5Db2b9F" width="200" height="200" alt="" />
</div><p class="c-sidebar-widget__list-link-container">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news/nei-study-new-take-old-marker-cell-death" hreflang="en">NEI study: New take on old marker of cell death</a>
<span class="c-sidebar-widget__list-date">
<time datetime="2024-12-16T16:44:17-05:00">December 16, 2024</time>
</span>
</p></div>
<div class="c-sidebar-widget__list-item views-row">
<div class="c-sidebar-widget__list-image">
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-12/optic-nerves-998x665.jpg?itok=xeekyoXZ" width="200" height="200" alt="optic nerves" />
</div><p class="c-sidebar-widget__list-link-container">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news/nerve-regrowth-sight" hreflang="en">Nerve regrowth in sight</a>
<span class="c-sidebar-widget__list-date">
<time datetime="2024-12-05T14:50:42-05:00">December 5, 2024</time>
</span>
</p></div>
<div class="c-sidebar-widget__list-item views-row">
<div class="c-sidebar-widget__list-image">
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-09/AdobeStock_169390989.jpg?itok=bomY2Nin" width="200" height="200" alt="Decorative" />
</div><p class="c-sidebar-widget__list-link-container">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news/university-nebraska-researchers-show-role-cytokines-retinal-cells" hreflang="en">University of Nebraska researchers show role of cytokines in retinal cells</a>
<span class="c-sidebar-widget__list-date">
<time datetime="2024-09-06T11:15:29-04:00">September 6, 2024</time>
</span>
</p></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-sidebar-widget__footer">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?topic=12">Read more Glaucoma news</a>
</div>
</div>
</aside>
</div>
</main>
<div class="r-footer">
<footer class="o-footer" role="contentinfo">
<div id="block-footer-2">
<div class="o-footer__row">
<div class="o-footer__group o-footer__group--logo"><a class="o-logo__link" href="/" rel="home" title="Home"><span class="o-logo__text">National Eye Institute</span></a>
<ul class="o-menu-social">
<li class="o-menu-social__item"><a class="o-menu-social__link o-menu-social__link--facebook outlink-ignore" href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalEyeInstitute">Facebook</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-social__item"><a class="o-menu-social__link o-menu-social__link--twitter outlink-ignore" href="https://twitter.com/NatEyeInstitute">Twitter</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-social__item"><a class="o-menu-social__link o-menu-social__link--linkedin outlink-ignore" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-eye-institute-nei">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-social__item"><a class="o-menu-social__link o-menu-social__link--youtube outlink-ignore" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/neinih">YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="o-footer__group o-footer__group--contact">
<h2 class="o-footer__title">Contact NEI</h2>
<ul class="o-menu-footer">
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/contact-us/">Contact Us</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/visitor-information">Visit NIH</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=insidenei&amp;A=1">Get Email Updates from NEI</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="o-footer__group o-footer__group--policies">
<h2 class="o-footer__title">Policies</h2>
<ul class="o-menu-footer">
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/accessibility-information">Accessibility</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://www.nih.gov/nondiscrimination-notice-language-assistance-services">Information in Other Languages</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/nei-website-privacy-policy">Privacy</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/freedom-information-act">Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/disclaimers">Disclaimers</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/web-policies ">Web Policies</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html ">Vulnerability Disclosure</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="o-footer__group o-footer__group--employees">
<h2 class="o-footer__title">For NEI Employees</h2>
<ul class="o-menu-footer">
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://intranet.nei.nih.gov">Intranet</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://intranet.nei.nih.gov/hr/Pages/emergency.aspx">Emergency Information</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://ned.nih.gov/search/search.aspx">NIH Staff Directory</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="o-footer__row">
<div class="o-footer__full o-footer__full--parent">
<ul class="o-menu-footer o-menu-footer--swing">
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://www.nih.gov/">NIH.gov</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://hhs.gov/">HHS.gov</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://usa.gov/">USA.gov</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</footer>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-lb-wrapper" id="lb-wrapper" aria-hidden="true">
<div class="c-lb-overlay" tabindex="-1"></div>
<div role="dialog" class="c-lb" id="lb">
<div class="c-lb-header">
<button class="c-lb-close-btn"><span class="c-lb-close-btn-text">Close</span><span class="c-lb-close-btn-text times" aria-hidden="true">&times;</span></button>
</div>
<figure class="c-lb-figure">
<figcaption class="c-lb-caption"></figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
</div>
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_agazM-qm5cOcplNZo9kNIWFtUrwt0V1xgAKtLyM44Us.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nei&amp;include=eJxdjEEOgCAMBD-E9kmkYrOpqdQAMerr5eBBvUx29jCp8HUKQOkZAe4wiY1B6Pj7yAsf33MNmZvuEq0nojnPmkFvCVmUYD6xDTUV3Vq9ATUbLxk"></script>
<script src="/themes/custom/nei/js/scripts.js?sraguf"></script>
</body>
</html>