Glaucoma

Glaucoma is usually caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye. This pressure causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits nervous impulses to the part of the brain which is responsible for sight. The eye is normally filled with 'intra ocular' fluid which constantly drains away and is then replaced. In the case of glaucoma, intra ocular fluid is not drained away properly, or it may be produced in large amounts. If this causes too much pressure in the eye, the optic nerve is damaged, blind areas in the field of vision develop. Glaucoma tends to happen slowly, often with no noticeable changes until after the damage is done.