Is glaucoma reversible?

Damage caused to the eyes by glaucoma is irreversible, so early detection through regular eye examinations is essential. Proper treatment can prevent further loss of vision.

Glaucoma occurs when the aqueous humor that circulates in the front part of the eye is either produced too rapidly or drained away too slowly. The resulting pressure distorts the shape of the optic nerve and kills its nerve cells, resulting in blind spots where information from the retina of the eye is not transmitted to the brain. Doctors treat glaucoma with medications that either inhibit the production of aqueous humor or increase its outflow. Laser surgery is another option.