Optic Nerve
Progressive optic nerve damage, often without early symptoms.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that progressively damage the optic nerve, the structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It is often, but not always, associated with increased intraocular pressure.
In its most common forms, glaucoma causes no pain or noticeable central vision changes in the early stages. Damage begins in peripheral vision and progresses gradually, so many patients notice no symptoms until considerable visual field loss has occurred. Early detection therefore depends on an eye examination, not on symptoms noticed by the patient.
Evaluation includes examination of the optic nerve and measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry). Depending on the case, optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the optic nerve and perimetry (visual field testing) are used to document the current condition and detect changes at follow-up visits. As a chronic condition, glaucoma requires ongoing regular monitoring, not a one-time evaluation.
Treatment may include eye drops, laser procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), or—in advanced or refractory cases—procedures such as cyclophotocoagulation. Treatment aims to preserve remaining vision and optic nerve function; it does not reverse or restore vision already lost from previous damage.
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