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Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye.

Risk factors include age, ethnicity (higher in African Americans, Hispanics, Asians), family history, medical conditions like diabetes, and eye conditions.

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam including tests such as tonometry, ophthalmoscopy, perimetry, and gonioscopy.

Symptoms can include severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, red eyes, blurred vision, and halos around lights.

Laser therapy can be used to improve the outflow or drainage of eye fluid, which helps to reduce intraocular pressure.

The main types include open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma.

Medications, often in the form of eye drops, are used to reduce intraocular pressure. Beta blockers and prostaglandin analogs are common medications.

Often asymptomatic in early stages; in later stages, symptoms can include gradual loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision.

If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. It can also cause 'cupping' of the optic disk.

Glaucoma can significantly impact day-to-day activities, such as driving, reading, and recognizing faces, leading to reduced quality of life.

Surgical options include trabeculectomy, drainage implants, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), aiming to improve fluid outflow from the eye.