Glaucoma

Also known as: glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that occurs due to high pressure in the eye and damage to the optic nerve. It leads to vision problems, eye pain, redness and can ultimately cause blindness with time.

What might cause glaucoma?

Glaucoma typically occurs due to high pressure in the eye. This pressure tends to build because of a blockage of channels that are supposed to allow aqueous humor fluid to drain from the eye. Other factors that may increase eye pressure and lead to glaucoma include the following:

• Corticosteroid use
• Reduced blood flow to the optic nerve
• High blood pressure
• Dilating eye drops
• Other eye diseases
• Eye injury
• Diabetes

How can it be treated?

Glaucoma is a serious medical condition and should be diagnosed by your health care provider.

When should you seek medical attention?

If you notice vision problems accompanied by eye pain, redness, nausea or vomiting, contact your doctor or eye doctor as soon as possible.

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Reviewed by: Luxme Hariharan, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:51 PM