Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions, which cause optic nerve damage and can affect your vision. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve at the point where it leaves your eye.
How your eye works
When you look at something, light enters the front of your eye and is focused by the lens onto the retina. The retina is a delicate, light‑sensitive layer that changes light into electrical signals. These signals travel through a network of nerves to the optic nerve and then to the brain. The brain interprets them so you can see the world around you. The place where the nerves leave the eye is called the optic disc.
Further information you can find in this booklet
- About glaucoma
- Causes
- Different types of glaucoma
- Primary open angle glaucoma
- Acute angle closure glaucoma
- Ocular hypertension
- Low tension glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
- Developmental glaucoma
- Monitoring glaucoma and hospital visits
- Changes in your glaucoma
- Coping
- Useful contacts