What Is Glaucoma and What Causes It?

If you are concerned about glaucoma in Surrey or Berkshire, understanding the condition is the first step towards protecting your sight.

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve – the vital connection between your eye and your brain. Without early diagnosis and treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness.

At Grosvenor Eye Clinic, patients across Surrey and Berkshire receive specialist-led assessment, diagnosis and management to help preserve long-term vision.

What Is Glaucoma?

If you are asking ‘what is glaucoma?’, it is a condition caused by damage to the optic nerve, usually linked to raised pressure inside the eye.

The optic nerve carries visual information to your brain. When it becomes damaged, vision gradually deteriorates. This often begins with subtle loss of peripheral vision and may go unnoticed in the early stages.

Because glaucoma typically develops slowly and painlessly, many people in Surrey and Berkshire are unaware they have it until significant vision changes occur.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma often develops without obvious warning signs. Early symptoms can be subtle and may include gradual loss of side vision.

Both eyes are usually affected, although one may be worse than the other.

In some cases, particularly with acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms can appear suddenly and require urgent medical attention. These may include:

If you experience these symptoms in Surrey or Berkshire, urgent assessment is required.

Causes and Risks of Glaucoma

The causes of glaucoma are not always straightforward, but several risk factors increase your likelihood of developing the condition.

Age: The risk of glaucoma increases significantly with age, particularly over 70.
Ethnicity: Individuals of African, Caribbean, or Asian descent have a higher risk
Family history: A family history of glaucoma increases your likelihood of developing the disease
• Raised eye pressure: Persistently high intraocular pressure is a major risk factor.

If you live in Surrey or Berkshire and have any of these risks of glaucoma, regular eye examinations are essential.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Diagnosing glaucoma early is crucial because vision already lost cannot be restored. Routine eye examinations can detect raised eye pressure and early optic nerve changes. An optician may carry out:

• Measurement of intraocular pressure
• Peripheral vision testing
• Examination of the optic nerve

If glaucoma is suspected, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist for a detailed assessment. At Grosvenor Eye Clinic in Surrey and Berkshire, comprehensive diagnostic testing confirms the type and severity of glaucoma before treatment begins.

Treatments for glaucoma

Although glaucoma-related vision loss cannot be reversed, treatment can slow or halt progression when started early.

Your treatment plan depends on the type and stage of glaucoma. Options may include:

• Medicated eye drops: To lower eye pressure and reduce optic nerve damage.
• Laser treatment: To improve fluid drainage or reduce fluid production.
• Surgical procedures: Including operations designed to create alternative drainage pathways for fluid.

Ongoing monitoring is essential. Regular follow-up appointments ensure your treatment remains effective and adjustments can be made if necessary.

Living with Glaucoma

With early diagnosis and appropriate management, most people with glaucoma in Surrey and Berkshire maintain good functional vision.

You may need periodic reviews to monitor eye pressure and optic nerve health. In some cases, glaucoma can affect activities such as driving, so personalised guidance is provided based on your condition.

Adhering to your prescribed treatment plan and attending regular appointments are the most effective ways to protect your sight long term.

Book a Glaucoma Assessment in Surrey or Berkshire

If you are concerned about what causes glaucoma, experiencing symptoms, or have known risk factors, arrange a consultation today.
Early diagnosis can make the difference between stable vision and permanent loss.

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