Glaucoma - the underestimated risk to your eyesight
Dr. med. Karin Fröse
September 8, 2025
5 min
Glaucoma, also known as glaucoma, is one of the most common causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Despite its prevalence, this eye disease goes unnoticed by many sufferers for a long time, as it develops gradually and without early symptoms. This is precisely why early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in order to preserve vision and prevent blindness. In this article, we explain what exactly glaucoma is, what the risk factors are, how the diagnosis is made and what modern forms of treatment are available. We also provide valuable tips on how you can help prevent it yourself.
What is glaucoma and why does it often go unnoticed?
Glaucoma is a chronic disease of the optic nerve that is usually caused by increased intraocular pressure. This results in a gradual loss of the optic nerve fibres, which leads to a progressive restriction of the visual field. Because the disease usually does not cause any pain or visible symptoms in the early stages, many sufferers only notice the disease when considerable damage has already occurred. For this reason, glaucoma is also known as "silent blindness".
What risk factors increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma?
The most important risk factors for glaucoma include increased intraocular pressure, age (especially from the age of 40), a family history, certain pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes and ethnic origin. In addition, so-called normal pressure glaucoma can also occur, in which damage to the optic nerve occurs due to circulatory disorders despite normal intraocular pressure.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Glaucoma is diagnosed through various examinations by an ophthalmologist. These include measuring the intraocular pressure, examining the optic nerve head with special equipment, the visual field test to detect losses and other measurements such as corneal thickness measurement. Modern imaging techniques enable early detection of nerve damage and thus help to diagnose the disease at an early stage.
What treatment options are available?
The treatment of glaucoma aims to permanently reduce the intraocular pressure in order to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The most common therapy consists of eye drops that regulate the pressure. In addition, laser treatments such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) can be used. In advanced cases or if drug therapy is not sufficient, surgical interventions, such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), are also possible. As glaucoma is a chronic disease, lifelong monitoring and treatment is usually necessary.
Regular eye examinations are an effective way of preventing glaucoma, especially from the age of 40 or earlier if there is a family history of the disease. Healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking can also reduce the risk. Stress management can also help, as stress can have a negative impact on intraocular pressure. The earlier glaucoma is recognised, the better it can be treated to prevent blindness.
Dr. med. Karin Fröse
Medical Director, Senior Physician in Ophthalmology, Zollikerberg Eye Centre
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