Known amongst the public as sight loss or eye hypertension, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. By the year 2010, it is estimated that 60.5 million people will develop the disease.

As glaucoma occurs gradually and without causing pain over several years, it is asymptomatic in its early stages. Most patients do not realize that they have an eye problem until they experience a major loss of vision. It is estimated that 50% of all glaucoma cases have not been diagnosed.

Under normal circumstances, the pressure of fluid in the eye is 10-22 mmHg. This fluid provides for the nourishment of certain structures of the eye by the nutrients it carries, and also allows the disposal of waste. While these fluids are produced on the one hand, they are at the same time disposed of on the other, thus allowing for the eye tension to stay at a certain level. If the fluid in the eyes is not disposed of, then the level of the fluid increases and eye tension rises. As it does not cause any pain, the patient often misses it and therefore does not need to consult a doctor. If untreated, it causes damage to the eye and may result in blindness. The patient only consults a doctor as loss of vision starts.

People with high eye tension are at risk of developing glaucoma. Other risk factors include an age over 60, family history, myopia, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and the existence of other eye diseases.

The objective of glaucoma treatment is to reduce eye tension. If damage has already developed, eye tension has to be reduced to such a level that would prevent further progress of the illness. For this purpose, a variety of medication in the form of eye drops has been developed. These medications have to be taken once or twice a day. To ensure necessary reduction in eye tension, once daily usage may be good enough in most of the patients whereas in others by using twice a day. Sometimes combination with other medications will be needed. In a conclusion, glaucoma is an illness that needs long term treatment and attention. For this reason, patients need to be informed and be encouraged to accept and go along with a long-term treatment.