Complications and Risks of Glaucoma

Glaucoma complications come mainly from damage to the optic nerve, which cannot be repaired.

Vision loss

• Loss of side vision, leading to tunnel vision
• Blindness in advanced or untreated disease. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
• Trouble with dim light, glare and contrast, which affects driving and walking

Eye complications

• Acute angle-closure attack: sudden pain and vision loss that needs emergency care
• Neovascular glaucoma: abnormal vessels in diabetes or after blocked retinal veins, which are hard to treat
• Corneal swelling and scarring from very high pressure
• Complications of treatment: drop side effects, infection or low pressure after surgery

Daily life effects

• Higher risk of falls and injuries
• Difficulty reading, driving and recognising faces in advanced stages
• Anxiety and low mood, which deserve support

Who is at higher risk of severe loss

People who are diagnosed late, miss follow-up, stop drops, have very high pressure, or have a strong family history.

Reducing the risk

Regular eye checks, daily drops as prescribed, treating angle closure promptly and controlling diabetes and blood pressure.

Key point

Early detection and steady treatment prevent most severe loss. Sudden eye pain, halos or vomiting is an emergency. Call 112 or 102.

Before your eye appointment

Carry your old reports, glasses and a list of all drops, tablets and supplements you use. Note any family history of glaucoma, diabetes or steroid use, and write down when symptoms occur. This helps your eye doctor choose the right tests and plan, and spot changes early.