Eye Conditions
About This Condition (Glaucoma)
Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that result in damage to the optic nerve, the structure that connects the eye to the brain. Glaucoma causes a type of optic nerve damage called cupping that can lead to peripheral vision loss (blind spots in the patient’s side vision, when severe is referred to as tunnel vision). Most forms of glaucoma do not have symptoms in the early stages. As this disease progresses, the vision loss becomes noticeable and can, in some cases, result in blindness. Therefore, early detection of this disease is critical and can help prevent irreversible vision loss.