Glaucoma: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure. Also known as the silent thief of sight, it can destroy your vision without warning. Most people don’t feel pain or notice changes until significant damage is done. That’s why it’s so dangerous — and why knowing the facts could save your sight.

Glaucoma isn’t one disease. It’s a group of conditions, mostly linked to intraocular pressure, the fluid pressure inside the eye that builds up when drainage gets blocked. This pressure slowly crushes the optic nerve, the wire that sends images from your eye to your brain. Once nerve cells die, they don’t come back. That’s why early detection matters more than any treatment. You can’t reverse glaucoma, but you can stop it — if you catch it in time.

People over 60, those with a family history, or individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure are at higher risk. But it doesn’t care about age or health habits — even young, healthy people can develop it. Regular eye exams aren’t just for reading glasses. They’re your best defense. A simple pressure check and optic nerve scan can catch glaucoma years before you lose vision.

Treatment usually starts with eye drops that lower pressure. Some reduce fluid production. Others improve drainage. If drops don’t work, lasers or surgery can help. But no treatment is perfect. Some drops cause stinging, red eyes, or even breathing problems. Others require strict timing — miss a dose, and pressure creeps back up. That’s why sticking to your plan matters more than the drug itself.

What you won’t find in most doctor’s offices? Real talk about daily life with glaucoma. How to manage drops with shaky hands. Why forgetting one dose can undo weeks of progress. How to tell if your vision is worsening — because it’s not always blurry. And how to talk to your family about genetic risk. These aren’t textbook topics. But they’re the ones that keep people from going blind.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve been there. From how to track your eye pressure at home, to what medications interact with glaucoma drops, to why some supplements might hurt more than help. No fluff. No hype. Just what works — and what doesn’t — when your sight is on the line.