What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes vision loss if left untreated.

Glaucoma happens when fluid inside the eye does not drain properly. This increases pressure in the eye, called the intraocular pressure (IOP). The increased pressure can damage eyesight.

You can't feel high IOP, but it can be measured easily by an eye doctor during an eye exam. If the pressure is high, more tests are done to diagnose glaucoma and decide on treatment.

Vision is lost from the outside edges of the visual field (the peripheral vision). There is no pain, and vision loss isn't noticeable at first. That's why it is important to catch and treat glaucoma early.
Once lost, vision cannot be restored.

The best way to protect yourself is to get your eyes tested. The tests are quick and painless.