Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition where pressure builds up inside the eye and slowly damages the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. Many people with glaucoma do not notice any pain or changes in their vision until the damage is already serious. It is important to see a doctor or eye specialist regularly, especially if glaucoma runs in your family, so it can be caught and treated early before your sight is affected.
Common Symptoms / Concerns for Glaucoma
When to Seek Professional Care
Book an evaluation with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience or present with:
- Sudden, severe pain in one or both eyes
- Rapid or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Seeing halos around lights combined with eye pain and nausea
- Eye redness that does not improve after one or two days
- Persistent headache with blurred vision that does not go away
- Vomiting alongside eye pain and vision changes
- Any noticeable loss of side vision, even without pain
- A family member has been diagnosed with glaucoma and you have not had an eye check
What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation
When you visit a doctor or eye specialist for glaucoma, they will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and whether anyone in your family has had eye problems. They will check the pressure inside your eyes using a simple, painless test, and examine the back of your eye to look at the optic nerve. Depending on what they find, they may refer you to an eye hospital for further tests or start you on eye drops to help lower the pressure and protect your vision.
Medical Divisions Vetted for Glaucoma
Our platform supports multiple clinical specialties capable of providing consultations for this visit type:
Eye Doctor
Clinicians available for glaucoma consultations.
Related Conditions
Conditions commonly associated with Glaucoma consultations:
Apollo
Also known as: pink eye, Apollo, Conjunctivitis
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma is usually caused by a build-up of fluid pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve over time. The exact reason this happens is not always clear, but risk factors include having a family history of glaucoma, being over 40 years old, having diabetes, or being of African descent — a group known to be at higher risk. In some cases, an injury to the eye or another eye condition can also lead to glaucoma.
Can glaucoma be cured with home remedies?
No, glaucoma cannot be cured or treated with home remedies. It is a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment from a doctor or eye specialist. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent blindness. If you suspect you have glaucoma, please visit a health facility as soon as possible.
How is glaucoma treated?
The most common treatment for glaucoma is prescription eye drops that help lower the pressure inside the eye. In some cases, a doctor may recommend laser treatment or surgery to help fluid drain properly from the eye. Treatment does not reverse damage that has already happened, but it can stop the condition from getting worse and protect the vision you still have.
Can glaucoma make you go blind?
Yes, if glaucoma is not treated, it can cause permanent blindness. This is why it is sometimes called the 'silent thief of sight' — because vision loss happens slowly and without pain in many cases. The good news is that if glaucoma is found early and treated properly, most people are able to keep their vision for many years.
How can I prevent glaucoma?
You cannot always prevent glaucoma, but you can reduce your risk of serious vision loss by having regular eye check-ups, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of the condition. Eating a healthy diet, managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and protecting your eyes from injury can also help. Early detection through routine eye tests is the best way to protect your sight.
Schedule Consultations
Get connected with local doctors. Instantly schedule appointments for Glaucoma on our HIPAA-compliant, telehealth-enabled platform.
Our guides are reviewed by internal medical advisory boards to uphold patient guidelines and reference certified therapies.
Your doctor is only an appointment away.
Feeling unwell? Our friendly healthcare professionals are here to listen, advise, and care for you. Just open the app for quick, expert help. No stress, no fuss.
