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Prognosis for Glaucoma

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The prognosis for glaucoma depends on the stage at which it is detected. If it is diagnosed before it damages the optic nerve, the prognosis is generally very good, so long as the patient follows the treatment correctly.

When the optic nerve has already suffered permanent damage and the diagnosis comes late on (when the nerve is heavily damaged and the visual field severely affected), it requires more aggressive treatment and implies a worse long-term prognosis.

Acute complications

The most frequent type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, is a chronic and progressive disease that courses with practically no symptoms; therefore, this common form does not produce any acute complications directly related to the condition.

In the case of angle-closure glaucoma, the eye’s filter can close suddenly, provoking an abrupt increase in intraocular pressure causing blurred vision, red eye and pain in the affected eye accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Chronic complications

Patients with glaucoma have reduced peripheral vision which makes it harder to carry out certain everyday activities such as walking down stairs or driving. Patients are more likely to suffer falls and be involved in traffic accidents.

Most chronic complications, such as dry eyes, are related to the continual use of eye drop treatments.

Substantiated information by:

Elena Fraga Pumar Optometrist Ophthalmology Department

Elena Milla Griñó Ophthalmologist Ophthalmology Department

Marta Pazos López Ophthalmologist Ophthalmology Department

Published: 19 October 2018
Updated: 19 October 2018

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