Glaucoma

About Glaucoma

For anyone troubled by glaucoma symptoms

Glaucoma is a disease in which the optic nerve is gradually damaged, causing the visual field to narrow over time. It's commonly caused by impaired drainage of the eye's internal fluid, but "normal-tension glaucoma," where eye pressure stays in the normal range, is also very common among Japanese patients. Early stages have almost no symptoms, and many people don't notice until it has already progressed. Early detection and treatment are the most important way to protect your vision.

Symptoms

• Almost no symptoms in the early stages.
• Parts of the visual field gradually disappear, narrowing your field of view as it progresses.
• Vision may appear hazy or temporarily blurred.
• An acute glaucoma attack causes severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and halos of light around lights — this needs urgent care.
• Higher risk: age 40+, family history, high myopia, or a history of elevated eye pressure.

Important point: There are almost no symptoms in the early stages. Because we see with both eyes, one eye often compensates for vision loss in the other, so the loss can go unnoticed until it has significantly progressed. Since lost vision cannot be restored, early detection and treatment before symptoms appear is essential. We strongly recommend regular eye check-ups after age 40.

Beware of acute glaucoma attacks: A rapid rise in eye pressure ("acute angle-closure glaucoma") causes severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, or halos around lights. If this happens, seek care immediately.

Treatment

• Eye dropsThe primary treatment, using medicated drops to lower eye pressure. Different drops work through different mechanisms, so multiple types may be combined if needed.
• Laser treatmentUsed when eye drops alone are insufficient, to improve the outflow of intraocular fluid.
• SurgeryIf pressure still isn't controlled with the above, surgery to create a new drainage pathway may be considered.

About surgical risk: Glaucoma surgery controls eye pressure and slows progression, but as with any surgery, risk is never zero. Infection, bleeding, temporary pressure fluctuations, and rarely vision loss can occur. Continued monitoring after surgery is important, and any concerns should be raised promptly. Suitability and specific risks are explained in detail by your doctor after examination.

Testing combines eye pressure measurement, visual field testing, fundus examination and OCT (optical coherence tomography) assessment of the optic nerve. Glaucoma treatment does not restore vision already lost — its goal is to prevent further progression. That's why detection before symptoms appear is so important for protecting your vision.

Ongoing Care

• Regular visual field testing and eye pressure measurement are essential to catch progression early.
• Continuing prescribed eye drops without stopping on your own is fundamental to controlling eye pressure. If you find it hard to remember, we can help find a routine that fits your daily life.
• Always tell your doctor about any concerns or changes in your health. If you're prescribed new medication for another condition, let that doctor or pharmacist know you're being treated for glaucoma.

A Note From the Director

Related Pages

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• Retinal Vascular Disease
• Why We Ask You to Have Certain Tests

Please note: The effects of the treatments described on this page vary between individuals, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. The severity and course of your condition will be explained by your doctor after examination.