Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions, which cause optic nerve damage. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve at the point where it leaves the eye. The damage may be caused by raised eye pressure or by a weakness in the optic nerve itself.

Glaucoma can be difficult to detect and is often discovered during a routine eye test. It is therefore important that people visit their optician at least every two years, a visit to the optician is painless and may detect various sight-threatening eye conditions such as glaucoma.

Most people with glaucoma successfully use eye drops for many years. Using drops regularly helps to keep the pressure in the eye under control and minimises damage to the eyes, which may cause vision loss.