As of 2025, an estimate of 80 million people worldwide are living with glaucoma, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
There are several forms of glaucoma, each affecting the eye’s drainage system and optic nerve differently:
The most common type accounts for about 90% of all cases. It develops gradually as the eye’s drainage channels become less efficient, resulting in elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP).
Caused by a sudden blockage of fluid drainage, which can rapidly raise eye pressure and require immediate medical attention. This includes low or normal-tension types of glaucoma.
(including steroid-induced, pseudoexfoliation, pigmentary, uveitic, and angle recession (trauma) glaucoma types)
Results from another eye condition, injury, or medication that affects fluid flow.
A rare form present at birth due to developmental issues in the eye’s drainage system.
The most common type accounts for about 90% of all cases. It develops gradually as the eye’s drainage channels become less efficient, resulting in elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP).
Caused by a sudden blockage of fluid drainage, which can rapidly raise eye pressure and require immediate medical attention. This includes low or normal-tension types of glaucoma.
(including steroid-induced, pseudoexfoliation, pigmentary, uveitic, and angle recession (trauma) glaucoma types)
Results from another eye condition, injury, or medication that affects fluid flow.
A rare form present at birth due to developmental issues in the eye’s drainage system.
While normal eye pressure typically measures between 10 and 21 mmHg, glaucoma damage can occur even within this range. Some individuals experience optic nerve damage at pressures below 21 mmHg (known as normal-tension glaucoma), while others tolerate higher pressures without harm. Your Vantage Eye Center specialist will determine what is “normal” for your eyes based on comprehensive testing, imaging, and individualized risk factors.
In-office laser procedure that improves the eye’s drainage system.
Advanced surgical techniques that safely lower eye pressure with less recovery time.
An Ahmed valve or Baerveldt tube shunt is used when medication, laser, or MIGS aren’t sufficient to control eye pressure.
Because glaucoma often progresses silently, many people do not notice symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the only way to detect it early.
Possible warning signs include:
If you experience sudden eye pain or vision changes, seek immediate care—it could indicate angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency.
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk:
Even if you don’t have risk factors, routine eye exams starting at age 40 are essential. The sooner glaucoma is detected, the sooner treatment can protect your sight.
End-stage glaucoma is the most severe form of this chronic eye disease, where optic-nerve damage and vision loss are extensive. Patients often retain only a small “island” of central vision, and peripheral vision is nearly gone. At this stage, the disease requires careful monitoring, lower intraocular-pressure (IOP) goals, and tailored treatment to slow or prevent further progression.
Glaucoma reaches this point when eye pressure remains too high for too long, even after years of treatment. For some, damage continues despite normal pressure, known as normal-tension glaucoma. Because symptoms develop silently, many people do not realize their vision is deteriorating until significant loss has occurred.
If you are at risk for Glaucoma or symptoms of Glaucoma are making you uncomfortable and interfering with your daily life, call us. Our doctors across California have the expertise and tools to give you the relief you need.
Yes, you can develop glaucoma even if your eye pressure is normal.
This type is called Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG) (also known as low-tension or normal-pressure glaucoma). In this condition, the optic nerve becomes damaged even though intraocular pressure (IOP) stays within the “normal” range (typically 10–21 mmHg).
Most types of glaucoma, especially open-angle glaucoma, are not painful and cause no early symptoms. However, angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden, severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, nausea, and headaches. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate care to prevent vision loss.
Chronic open-angle glaucoma usually doesn’t cause eye strain or headaches in the early stages. Headaches and eye pressure are more commonly associated with acute angle-closure glaucoma or eye fatigue from other causes, not typical open-angle glaucoma.
Research suggests that moderate caffeine intake (one or two cups of coffee per day) is usually safe for most people with glaucoma. However, large amounts of caffeine—especially consumed quickly—can cause a temporary rise in eye pressure (IOP) in some individuals. If you have glaucoma, your doctor may recommend limiting caffeine or spacing it out throughout the day.
Glaucoma is diagnosed and treated by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in diseases and surgery of the eye. At Vantage Eye Center, our board-certified ophthalmologists and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists perform comprehensive testing, prescribe medication, and offer advanced laser or surgical treatments to manage the condition and protect your vision.
Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma; however, early detection and appropriate treatment can often prevent or significantly slow down vision loss. The main goal of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve from further damage. With ongoing monitoring and care, many patients can maintain healthy and functional vision throughout their lives.
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