Can vision lost from glaucoma be restored?

Unfortunately, vision lost from glaucoma cannot be restored because optic nerve damage is permanent. This is why early detection and treatment are essential — treatment prevents further loss but cannot bring back what is lost.

Can you have glaucoma with normal eye pressure?

Yes, normal-tension glaucoma can damage the optic nerve even when pressure is within the normal range. This is why comprehensive eye exams including optic nerve evaluation are important, not just pressure checks.

How often should I be screened for glaucoma?

The AAO recommends a comprehensive eye exam at age 40, with follow-up based on risk. People at higher risk should be screened every 1–2 years.

Eye & EarICD-10: H40Affects more than 3 million Americans, with half unaware they have it

Glaucoma

Also known as: Open-Angle Glaucoma, Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to abnormally high intraocular pressure. It is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and vision loss cannot be recovered. Early detection through regular eye exams is critical because glaucoma often has no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.

Symptoms

Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, often in both eyes

Tunnel vision in advanced stages

Severe eye pain and headache (acute angle-closure glaucoma)

Nausea and vomiting accompanying eye pain

Sudden blurred vision

Halos around lights

Eye redness

Causes

Elevated intraocular pressure from impaired aqueous humor drainage
Damage to the optic nerve from pressure or reduced blood flow
Open-angle: slow clogging of drainage canals over time
Angle-closure: sudden blockage of drainage angle by the iris

Risk Factors

Age over 60
African, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry
Family history of glaucoma
Elevated intraocular pressure
Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
Long-term corticosteroid use

Diagnosis

Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure
Ophthalmoscopy to examine the optic nerve
Visual field testing (perimetry) to detect peripheral vision loss
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure nerve fiber thickness
Gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle

Treatment

Prescription eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure
Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for acute pressure reduction
Laser trabeculoplasty to improve drainage
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
Traditional surgery (trabeculectomy or drainage implant) for advanced cases

Prevention

Get comprehensive dilated eye exams regularly, especially after age 40
Know your family history of glaucoma
Exercise regularly to help lower intraocular pressure
Use prescribed eye drops consistently if you have ocular hypertension

When to See a Doctor

You experience sudden severe eye pain, headache, or blurred vision
You notice halos around lights or sudden vision changes
You have risk factors and have not had a recent eye exam
Your peripheral vision seems to be narrowing

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

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High Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular

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