--- title: "Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "How glaucoma is found, when sudden eye symptoms need emergency care, and how an eye specialist chooses treatment to protect your remaining sight." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/glaucoma/ robots: noindex --- # Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z How glaucoma is found, when sudden eye symptoms need emergency care, and how an eye specialist chooses treatment to protect your remaining sight. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medical review not recorded. Updated and source-checked with AI assistance. Sources checked 8 September 2026 ## Quick answer What is glaucoma? Glaucoma damages the nerve carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. It often develops without noticeable symptoms. Eye tests can find changes early; treatment aims to limit further damage but cannot restore sight already lost. Suddenly developing severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision or coloured rings around lights needs emergency assessment. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Glaucoma, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about glaucoma - High eye pressure and glaucoma are related but are not the same diagnosis. - Glaucoma can also develop when eye pressure is within the usual range. - Laser treatment, eye drops and surgery are options; the choice depends on your type and stage of glaucoma. ## How is glaucoma found? Glaucoma may affect the edges of your vision before you notice a problem with reading or recognising faces. An optician can look for changes and refer you for specialist assessment. Several tests may be needed; a normal pressure reading does not rule it out. [Glaucoma UK explains the relationship between eye pressure and nerve damage](https://glaucoma.uk/about-glaucoma/what-is-glaucoma/). The [NHS recommends regular eye tests](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/), at least every two years. You may need them more often if you are at higher risk, including having a parent, brother or sister with glaucoma. Follow the interval your optician recommends. An eye test is a check, not a guarantee against future sight loss. ## How is treatment chosen? For many adults with newly diagnosed chronic open-angle glaucoma, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) can be offered early. [NICE’s explanation of the evidence](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng81/chapter/rationale-and-impact) describes why laser is an initial option rather than something reserved for when drops fail. That recommendation has exceptions, including glaucoma associated with pigment dispersion syndrome. Laser may reduce the need for drops, but it does not mean you will never need them. Its effect can lessen, and another treatment may be needed. Your specialist should explain expected benefits, possible complications and follow-up. Different types or more advanced glaucoma can need a different approach. ## What should I ask at the eye clinic? Bring your questions and current medicine list. Useful starting points are: - What type of glaucoma do I have, and how is my sight affected? - Why is this treatment suitable for me? - What changes should I report, and whom should I contact? - When is my next check, and what should I do if I cannot attend? If using your prescribed drops is difficult, tell your eye team or pharmacist. Ask for help with the technique or an alternative plan rather than stopping them yourself. Our [appointment checklist](https://healthanswers.co.uk/health-tools/appointment-checklist/) can help you organise what to discuss. ## Can I still drive? An individual assessment is needed. For car and motorcycle licences in Great Britain, [DVLA requires notification in specified circumstances](https://www.gov.uk/eye-conditions-and-driving), including glaucoma affecting both eyes, or your only seeing eye. You must also tell DVLA if a clinician says you should not drive or you do not meet the visual standards. Bus and lorry licences have additional requirements. Northern Ireland uses DVA. Ask your eye specialist and the relevant licensing authority about the rules for your licence; this page cannot confirm that you are safe to drive. ## ! When to see a GP about glaucoma Call 999 or go to A&E if glaucoma symptoms develop suddenly, particularly severe eye pain with a red eye, blurred vision, coloured rings around lights, headache or vomiting. Do not drive yourself. For other concerns about your vision, speak to an optician or GP. ## Common questions about glaucoma Can glaucoma be cured? There is no cure, and lost sight cannot be recovered. Treatment can slow or sometimes stop further damage. Your eye clinic will monitor how well it is working. Are drops always the first treatment? No. NICE recommends selective laser trabeculoplasty for many people with newly diagnosed chronic open-angle glaucoma. Drops or surgery may be more appropriate in other circumstances. Ask your specialist why they recommend a particular option. Does high eye pressure mean I have glaucoma? Not necessarily. Raised pressure without detectable optic-nerve damage is called ocular hypertension. It needs assessment and may need monitoring or treatment. An eye-pressure reading alone cannot establish your diagnosis. ## Sources - [NHS — Glaucoma](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/) - [NICE NG81 — Rationale for glaucoma treatment recommendations](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng81/chapter/rationale-and-impact) - [Glaucoma UK — What is glaucoma?](https://glaucoma.uk/about-glaucoma/what-is-glaucoma/) - [GOV.UK — Eye conditions and driving](https://www.gov.uk/eye-conditions-and-driving)