Quick answer: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, and it often causes no early symptoms. The only reliable way to find it is a complete eye examination. Vision already lost cannot be restored, but early treatment with eye drops, laser or surgery can often stop further damage. Sudden severe eye pain, a red eye, blurred vision and nausea can be an emergency, so go to an emergency department straight away.
Emirates European Hospital provides glaucoma evaluation and treatment in Sharjah. Being told you have glaucoma, or that you may be at risk, does not mean you will lose your sight. If it is diagnosed and treated early, it may not change your vision much. The aim of care is to protect the sight you have for as long as possible.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma, sometimes called "blue water" in Arabic, is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. This is the main nerve that connects the eye to the brain. Glaucoma often happens when fluid in the eye cannot drain as it should, which raises the pressure inside the eye. However, damage can also happen when eye pressure is in the normal range.
It usually affects both eyes, although one may be worse than the other. It is most common in adults aged 50 and over, but it can happen at any age.
Does Glaucoma Have Early Symptoms?
Usually not, which is why many people with glaucoma do not know they have it. It develops slowly over many years and is often picked up during a routine eye test. Over time, you may slowly lose your side vision, especially the part closest to your nose. Many people cannot tell their vision is changing at first. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness.
What Are the Main Types of Glaucoma?
- Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type, which usually develops slowly.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: The drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked. It can happen suddenly or slowly.
- Normal-tension glaucoma: Eye pressure is within the normal range, but the optic nerve is still damaged.
- Secondary glaucoma: Caused by another eye condition or an injury.
- Childhood glaucoma: A rare type that affects young children.
When Is Glaucoma an Emergency?
Glaucoma can sometimes develop suddenly. An acute angle-closure attack is a medical emergency and needs treatment right away to save your sight. Go to the nearest emergency department or call an ambulance on 998 if you suddenly develop:
- Intense pain in the eye or forehead
- A red eye
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights
- A headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Do not drive yourself. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, but these need to be checked immediately.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Glaucoma?
Anyone can get glaucoma, but your risk may be higher if you:
- Are over 40, with risk rising as you get older
- Have a parent, brother or sister with glaucoma
- Have high eye pressure
- Are nearsighted or farsighted
- Have diabetes, migraines, or high blood pressure
- Have had an eye injury
- Use steroid medicines for a long time
- Have thin corneas
- Are of African, Hispanic or Asian heritage
Having more than one of these factors raises your risk further. If glaucoma runs in your family, encourage your relatives to be checked too.
How Often Should I Have My Eyes Checked?
As a general guide, adults should have regular eye tests at least every 2 years. If you are at higher risk, a complete eye examination every 1 to 2 years is commonly advised, and your eye doctor may suggest checks more often. Ask how often you need to be seen based on your own risk.
Does High Eye Pressure Mean I Have Glaucoma?
Not always. Some people have higher than normal eye pressure with no damage. They may be called "glaucoma suspects" and have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, so they need monitoring. Eye pressure also changes during the day, and what is normal varies from person to person. This is why a test that only measures eye pressure is not enough to find glaucoma.
What Happens During Glaucoma Testing?
Comprehensive glaucoma testing combines several checks, because no single test tells the whole story.
Eye pressure test
Tonometry measures the pressure inside your eye. You may have it more than once, because pressure can vary.
Optic nerve examination
In most cases, you will be given drops to widen your pupil. This lets the doctor look at the inside of your eye and the optic nerve for signs of damage. Your vision may be blurred for a while afterward, so arrange for someone to take you home.
Visual field test
This checks your side vision, where glaucoma often causes the first changes.
Drainage angle check
Gonioscopy uses a special lens to look at the angle where fluid drains from the eye. It helps show whether the angle is open or closed.
Optic nerve imaging
Retina and optic nerve OCT imaging takes detailed scans of the back of the eye. These images help doctors assess the nerve and compare changes over time.
Can Glaucoma Be Cured?
There is no cure for glaucoma, and vision that has already been lost cannot be brought back. Treatment works by lowering eye pressure to slow or stop further damage. Early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision, and that is why diagnosis and follow-up matter so much.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
Your plan depends on the type of glaucoma, your eye pressure, the condition of the optic nerve, and how you respond to treatment. Emirates European Hospital provides medical and surgical glaucoma treatments in Sharjah based on individual plans.
Eye drops
Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment. Used every day, they lower eye pressure by reducing the fluid the eye makes or by helping it drain better. You may need more than one type.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment helps fluid drain from the eye and is usually done as an outpatient procedure. Trabeculoplasty is used for open-angle glaucoma, either instead of or alongside eye drops. Iridotomy is used for angle-closure glaucoma and creates a tiny hole in the iris so fluid can flow to the drainage angle.
Surgery
If drops and laser do not control the pressure, your doctor may suggest surgery. Operations include trabeculectomy, which creates a new drainage channel, and drainage implants, which use a tiny tube. For some people with narrow angles, cataract surgery can also lower eye pressure.
What Side Effects Can Glaucoma Eye Drops Cause?
Most of the eye drops used today have fewer side effects than older ones, but some people notice:
- Stinging or itching
- Red eyes or red skin around the eyes
- Blurred vision or dry mouth
- Eyelash growth, or changes in eye color or the skin around the eyes
- Changes in pulse, energy level, or breathing, especially if you have asthma
Give your doctor a list of every medicine you take. Tell your doctor if you have side effects, but never change or stop your drops on your own.
How Can I Protect My Sight If I Have Glaucoma?
- Use your drops every day, exactly as prescribed
- Ask for a refill before your drops run out
- Go to every follow-up appointment, even if your sight seems fine
- Tell any doctor treating you that you have glaucoma
- Ask about vision support if everyday tasks become harder
How Is a Sudden Glaucoma Attack Treated?
An acute angle-closure attack needs immediate care to bring the eye pressure down. Treatment may include eye drops, tablets, and medicine given through a vein. Many people then need a laser iridotomy to open a new path for fluid in the iris, and the other eye may also need checking.
Will Glaucoma Make Me Blind?
Most people who are diagnosed early and stay on treatment keep useful sight. If glaucoma is found and treated early, it may not change your vision much. Sometimes sight is affected, and in rare cases it can be lost. Your risk depends on the type of glaucoma, how much damage there is at diagnosis, and how closely you follow your treatment plan.
Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?
Open-angle glaucoma cannot be prevented, but vision loss from it often can be. A complete eye examination can find glaucoma early, when it is easier to treat. If you are at risk of angle-closure glaucoma, your doctor may recommend treatment before an attack happens.
Questions to Ask Your Eye Doctor
- Do I have glaucoma, or am I at risk of it?
- Which type do I have?
- What is my eye pressure, and what target are we aiming for?
- Is there any damage to my optic nerve or side vision?
- What are my treatment options?
- Could any of my medicines affect my eye pressure?
- How often do I need follow-up?
Glaucoma Care at Emirates European Hospital
Dr. Aiham Matanis is an Ophthalmologist at Emirates European Hospital with more than 15 years of clinical and surgical experience. The EEH profile includes glaucoma screening, diagnosis and treatment.
If you have a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, or a suspicious finding from a recent eye test, you can book an appointment at Emirates European Hospital or call 06 561 9444. The right next step may be testing, monitoring, or treatment to protect your vision.
This article provides general educational information and does not replace a complete eye examination, diagnostic tests, or personalized medical advice.
