The most common type of glaucoma is painless.

85-90% of all Glaucoma is Open Angle Glaucoma, which is generally painless.

While the rest is Closed Angle Glaucoma, which generally is associated with pain.

Most glaucoma is slowly progressive.

Open Angle Glaucoma, is generally a vision loss that occurs over months & years.

While Closed Angle Glaucoma, usually results in fast vision loss.

Glaucoma vision loss starts in the periphery & moves towards the central vision. 

This is worrisome, because it is difficult to notice early vision loss when it starts in the periphery. Often, by the time one notices vision loss, the vision loss appears as a shadow / tunnel vision. At this point, the vision loss occurs very quick leading to total vision loss.

It may feel overwhelming to learn that you have glaucoma or glaucoma suspect, but you are fortunate compared to the many who have glaucoma and do not know. Having the knowledge & understanding of what is Glaucoma, how to cope with having a long-term eye condition & preserve your vision will empower you and allow you to live a normal life as a glaucoma patient.

Your eye pressure (intraocular pressure) is critical 

The fluid in the eye creates an intraocular pressure. When your eye pressure is high, it puts more pressure on the optic nerve, damaging the tissue over time. Damage of the optic nerve is not reversible.

The optic nerve is responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain, so if this tissue is damaged / loss, you will have vision loss.

When managing glaucoma, your eye pressures are monitored to evaluate / analyze if it is a safe level for you.   Each person will have a different level / range of what is safe.

There are many different tests to monitor glaucoma.

Thus, there are different machines to monitor your glaucoma. These range from the eye pressures, visual field and optic nerve analysis.

Most glaucoma is managed with the use of eye drops. Eye drops may have side effects.