Eye doctors diagnose people with glaucoma when they document that an increased pressure inside the eye caused changes and damage to the eye. Once diagnosed, doctors prescribe glaucoma eye drops to lower the intraocular pressure to prevent further damage, though some people require surgical procedures to help with the drainage process in the eye. Even with treatment, glaucoma may continue to affect the eyes, and doctors adjust treatment in order to ensure the least amount of damage from glaucoma.
Optic Nerve
The optic nerve sits at the back of the eye, made up of a bundle of fibers responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. A build-up of high pressure inside the eye typically causes damage to the optic nerve, says the National Eye Institute. This damage happens slowly and, in the beginning, does not give noticeable symptoms of damage. Routine examinations often give clues to eye doctors about potential eye pressure problems, such as a high pressure measurement and an unusual appearance to the optic nerve. Eye doctors will often take a picture of the optic nerve and compare the photo to the nerve's appearance in the future. Noticeable changes will verify glaucoma and the need for treatment.
Vision
Damage to the optic nerve will usually lead to slowly progressing changes in vision. Initially, vision will not appear to be affected. However, with continued damage, glaucoma will gradually take away areas of side vision, says the National Eye Institute. For most people, these vision changes go unnoticed until the late stage of vision damage. Doctors monitor vision changes from glaucoma by using a visual field test. The patient sits with her chin on the edge of a large, bowl-like machine, and, with one eye covered, will stare at a light straight ahead. Focusing on the target, when she sees a light in various areas of her vision, she clicks a button. The doctor repeats the process for the other eye. Comparing this information over time will help the doctor determine any vision changes and whether he should adjust treatment.
Pain
Most types of glaucoma cause slow, progressing changes that a person with the condition will not notice. However, acute angle-closure glaucoma happens suddenly, and results from the iris blocking the drainage canal, says the National Eye Institute. The pressure builds quickly and will cause severe pain in the eye and light sensitivity. A person with angle closure will often have nausea and vomiting as well. Pain will persist until the pressure drops down, though a slight ache may persist until pressure normalizes. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
