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About glaucoma

Glaucoma is a complicated disease, and it’s natural to have lots of questions if you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed. We can help you at every stage of your glaucoma journey, from diagnosis right through to looking at the different treatment options available.

Between 2015 and 2035, the number of people living with glaucoma in the UK is expected to increase by 44%. With an ageing population and modern technology making earlier detection possible, more and more of us will find ourselves affected by glaucoma.  If you are living with or have recently been diagnosed with glaucoma you are not alone and we are here to help you.

Glaucoma is a complicated disease. Put simply, it is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve.  Most people experience no symptoms in the early stages and the only way to know if you have it is to have an eye test.  If it’s not treated, glaucoma will lead to irreversible sight loss and even blindness. Being diagnosed with glaucoma might be unexpected and frightening but this website will give you all the information, advice and support you need to feel confident in your glaucoma journey.

What is glaucoma?

To get a good understanding of how glaucoma affects your sight, it’s useful to get to grips with the basics. We suggest heading to our What is glaucoma? page which has information about the causes of glaucoma, the structure of the eye and why some people are more at risk of getting it than others.

Signs and symptoms

There are several different types of glaucoma. Each type has different signs and symptoms. Find out the different signs and symptoms caused by the main types of glaucoma, and what you should do if you experience any of them.

Diagnosis

You’ll meet lots of different people during your glaucoma journey. Our ‘Diagnosis’ page introduces you to some of the different health professionals you will work with to manage and treat your glaucoma.

Treatments and surgery

From eye drops to surgery, we can help you understand the treatment options for glaucoma.

Eye Drops

Eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma.

Laser

Laser treatment is used in glaucoma to decrease the amount of fluid in the eye

Trabeculectomy Surgery

A trabeculectomy is an eye operation that improves drainage of fluid out of the eye.

Aqueous Shunt Implantation

An aqueous shunt is a device which is implanted into the eye and improves the drainage of the fluid out of the eye.

Our helpline is here for you

If you have any questions about glaucoma or related conditions, our helpline is open
Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5.00pm.

Call 01233 64 81 70 or email helpline@glaucoma.uk.

The impact of COVID-19 on glaucoma care in 2020

We all know that COVID-19 had an enormous impact on glaucoma care in 2020, with appointments being postponed or surgeries being cancelled.

But how much has changed?

Your stories

Hearing from others who are living with glaucoma can be a great source of information and comfort. Read stories from people living with glaucoma.

Other related conditions

It is not uncommon for people with glaucoma to be affected by other eye conditions.

Forum

If you have questions about being diagnosed with glaucoma, visit our community forum at Health Unlocked. Ask other people with glaucoma about their experiences and read others’ stories.

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