The optic nerve carries images from the eye to the brain. When it is damaged, blind spots and patterns develop. Damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed. Usually no symptoms are felt in chronic glaucoma. Over time, there is a gradual loss of side vision.
Acute glaucoma occurs when the fluid draining from the eye is blocked suddenly.
Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops, oral drugs, or in some cases, laser microsurgery. Surgery may be suggested if medical treatment fails to reduce the pressure in the eye. Many surgical procedures can be done in a doctor's office. Congenital glaucoma is a condition found in babies. Parents may notice their baby's eye getting bigger, cloudy, watering, and closing in response to light.