Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Glaucoma?
An eye doctor treats glaucoma. An eye doctor, also called an ophthalmologist, checks eye pressure, looks at the optic nerve, and tests side vision. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve. This nerve sends the images you see to your brain. Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in the United States.
The optic nerve is a nerve in the back of your eye. Glaucoma can damage it. There is no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.
Symptoms
Often there are no symptoms of glaucoma at first. The most common type causes slow loss of side vision. Doctors also call this tunnel vision.
Without treatment, you slowly lose your side vision. Advanced glaucoma can lead to blindness.
Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common type. It can cause sudden symptoms. These include intense eye pain, blurry vision, red eyes, and an upset stomach (nausea). Rainbow-like halos around lights can also appear.
Causes and who gets it
Most often, optic nerve damage is caused by increased pressure in the eye. This is called intraocular pressure. The front of the eye holds a clear fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid normally leaves the eye through channels. Anything that slows or blocks its flow causes pressure to build up.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. The increase in eye pressure happens slowly over time. You cannot feel it. The cause is unknown.
Some people get glaucoma with normal eye pressure. The amount of pressure your optic nerve can handle is different for each person.
Secondary glaucoma has a known cause. Medicines such as corticosteroids can lead to it.
Congenital glaucoma occurs in babies. It is present at birth.
Your risk is higher if you have a parent or grandparent with open-angle glaucoma. People of African descent are also at higher risk. People over age 60 are at higher risk too, especially if they are Hispanic or Latino. You're also at higher risk if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
How doctors diagnose it
The only way to diagnose glaucoma is with a complete eye exam. In most cases, your doctor uses eye drops to widen your pupil. This lets the doctor look at the inside of your eye and the optic nerve.
A tonometry test measures the pressure inside your eye. Visual field testing checks your side vision. Gonioscopy uses a special lens to look at the angle of the eye.
Eye pressure can be normal in some people with glaucoma. So your doctor may use other tests to confirm it.
Treatment
There is no cure, but glaucoma can usually be controlled. The goal of treatment is to reduce your eye pressure.
Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment. They lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve.
Other treatments may include oral medicines, laser treatment, and/or surgery. Laser treatment uses a painless laser to open the channels where fluid flows out. If drops and laser treatment do not work, you may need surgery.
Most eye drops used today have fewer side effects than older drops. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness. If you have glaucoma, keep up with treatment to protect your vision.
When to see a doctor
If you're at higher risk for glaucoma, you should get comprehensive eye exams every one to two years. People with high blood pressure or diabetes should get a dilated eye exam at least once a year. Talk with your provider about your risk and how often you should get your eyes checked.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have sudden, intense eye pain with blurry vision, red eyes, or an upset stomach (nausea). Do not wait for a regular eye visit. A sudden attack can cause blindness in a few days if it is not treated.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can talk with you about your risk and refer you to an eye doctor for regular exams. Eye exams can help find glaucoma before it affects your vision.
Common questions
Can glaucoma be cured?
No. There is no cure, but glaucoma can usually be controlled. Early treatment can help protect your eyes against vision loss.
Can glaucoma be prevented?
No. There is no way to prevent glaucoma. Eye exams can help find glaucoma or other eye problems before they can affect your vision.
Does glaucoma always cause pain?
No. Most people with open-angle glaucoma have no symptoms at first. Angle-closure glaucoma is different, and its sudden symptoms can include eye pain.
Can glaucoma cause blindness?
Yes. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness. Early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Glaucoma
- National Eye Institute - Glaucoma
- MedlinePlus - Glaucoma: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
