Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, which joins the eye to the brain, undergoes damage therefore resulting in visual loss. It is usually, but not always, associated with raised intraocular pressure.


A clear watery fluid, called 'aqueous', is produced inside the eye by cells surrounding the lens (the ciliary body). This fluid provides the necessary pressure to help maintain the shape of the eye. This pressure is called the 'intraocular pressure'. As the aqueous circulates the inner chambers of the eye it nourishes the lens and cornea and then returns to the blood stream through a meshwork. The meshwork normally provides some resistance to the flow of aqueous, so the pressure in the eye is maintained.

A number of things can happen to interfere with the normal flow of aqueous, which can result in increased pressure. The most common cause is a malfunction in the meshwork, as it may not adequately drain the aqueous from the eye. The increased intraocular pressure is transmitted across all the structures of the eye and damages the optic nerve fibres as they leave the back of the eye and travel to the brain. Sometimes even normal intraocular pressure is associated with damage to these fibres. As these nerves become damaged, then vision becomes affected. If unchecked, this process can eventually lead to blindness. Dr Martin will identify the cause of glaucoma in order to implement the appropriate course of treatment.

Below are some more commonly asked questions about Glaucoma. Please click any question for the relevant answer: