Before you continue
By clicking “Accept All”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Glaucoma Symptoms, Causes & Treatment in Dubai

What is Glaucoma? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment in Dubai

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, yet many people remain unaware they have the condition until it is in an advanced stage. At Fakeeh University Hospital and Medicentres in Dubai, our ophthalmology specialists emphasize the importance of early detection and regular eye check-ups to prevent vision loss.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that leads to progressive and permanent vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. This damage is often linked to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which builds up when excess fluid in the eye does not drain properly. If untreated, glaucoma can lead to total blindness within a few years.

Causes of Glaucoma

  • Excessive fluid production in the eye
  • Blocked or slow drainage of fluid from the eye
  • Increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve

Glaucoma often affects older adults but can occur at any age.

a picture of healthy eye and an eye with Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide

Risk Factors of Glaucoma

You may be at higher risk of developing glaucoma if you have:

  • Age above 60 years
  • Family history of glaucoma (hereditary)
  • Chronic high eye pressure or thin corneas
  • Severe near-sightedness or farsightedness
  • Medical conditions: diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sickle cell anemia
  • Previous eye surgery or head injury
  • Long-term use of corticosteroids, including eye drops

Tip: If you fall under any of these risk groups, visit an eye specialist in Dubai regularly for preventive screening.

Signs & Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight” because early vision loss often goes unnoticed. Symptoms vary depending on the type:

  • Open-angle glaucoma: gradual peripheral vision loss, blind spots, tunnel vision in later stages
  • Acute angle-closure glaucoma: severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, nausea, and eye redness
  • If untreated, glaucoma leads to blindness.

Diagnosis of Glaucoma

At Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai, ophthalmologists perform a range of tests, including:

  • Tonometry – measuring eye pressure
  • Pachymetry – checking corneal thickness
  • Gonioscopy – examining fluid drainage angles
  • Optic nerve imaging – detecting nerve damage
  • Visual field tests – measuring vision loss

Early diagnosis ensures effective management before irreversible damage occurs.

Glaucoma Treatment in Dubai

Although glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, timely treatment can preserve vision and slow progression.

Treatment Options:

  1. Eye Drops – reduce eye pressure by controlling fluid production and drainage.
  2. Oral Medications – carbonic anhydrase inhibitors if eye drops are insufficient.
  3. Laser Treatments:
    • Laser Trabeculoplasty (for open-angle glaucoma) – opens clogged drainage channels.
    • Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (for acute angle-closure glaucoma) – relieves pressure buildup.
  4. Surgical Procedures:
    • Trabeculectomy – creating a drainage opening in the eye.
    • Drainage implants (tubes) – to release excess fluid.
    • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – less invasive option for suitable cases.

Treatment plans are tailored by our specialists depending on your type and stage of glaucoma.

Preventing Glaucoma Complications

  • Schedule regular eye check-ups, especially if you are over 40 or have risk factors.
  • Manage systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
  • Avoid self-medication with corticosteroid eye drops without supervision.
  • Seek urgent care if you notice sudden vision changes or severe eye pain.

Glaucoma Specialists in Dubai

Fakeeh University Hospital's expert ophthalmologists provide:

  • Comprehensive glaucoma screening
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Advanced diagnostic tools
  • Preventive eye health programs

📞 Call +971 4 414 4444 or visit www.fuh.care to book your glaucoma consultation today.

FAQs

Can glaucoma be cured permanently?
Scroll Down

No, glaucoma cannot be cured permanently because the damage it causes to the optic nerve is irreversible. However, with early diagnosis and proper glaucoma treatment in Dubai, the progression of the disease can be slowed or controlled. Treatments such as prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser procedures, or surgery help lower intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve from further damage. Regular follow-up visits with an ophthalmologist in Dubai are essential for long-term management.

Who is most at risk of developing glaucoma?
Scroll Down

Certain groups of people are more likely to develop glaucoma. Risk factors include being over the age of 60, having a family history of glaucoma, suffering from chronic eye pressure or thin corneas, or having severe nearsightedness or farsightedness. Medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can also increase the risk. If you fall under any of these categories, schedule a glaucoma screening in Dubai to detect the disease early.

How often should I get my eyes checked for glaucoma?
Scroll Down

The frequency of eye exams depends on your age and risk factors. In general:

  • Adults under 40 should have a comprehensive eye exam every 2–4 years.
  • Ages 40–54: every 2–3 years.
  • Ages 55–64: every 1–2 years.
  • Over 65: every year.

If you are high-risk (family history, diabetes, or previous eye injury), you should consult an eye specialist in Dubai more frequently. Regular check-ups are crucial because glaucoma often develops without obvious symptoms in the early stages.

Is glaucoma treatment painful?
Scroll Down

No, most glaucoma treatments are not painful. Eye drops and oral medications are painless and easy to use. Laser treatments, such as laser trabeculoplasty or laser peripheral iridotomy, are minimally invasive and cause only mild discomfort, if any. Surgical options like trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) may require recovery time, but they are performed under anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai's ophthalmologists ensure treatments are safe, comfortable, and tailored to each patient’s needs.

Can glaucoma cause blindness if not treated?
Scroll Down

Yes, untreated glaucoma can eventually lead to total and permanent blindness. The disease damages the optic nerve over time, leading to a gradual loss of vision, usually starting from the peripheral vision. Because symptoms often appear late, many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant damage has occurred. With early detection and proper glaucoma management in Dubai, patients can protect their vision and maintain quality of life.

What are the early signs of glaucoma?
Scroll Down

The early signs vary depending on the type of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, usually progresses silently with no noticeable symptoms until advanced stages, where peripheral vision loss occurs. Angle-closure glaucoma, however, presents sudden symptoms such as severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and halos around lights. If you experience these signs, seek urgent care from an eye hospital in Dubai immediately.

RELATED POSTS

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy

VIEW DETAILS
Astigmatism: Symptoms, Causes, Tests & Effective Treatments

Astigmatism: Symptoms, Causes, Tests & Effective Treatments

VIEW DETAILS
What Is the Link Between Diabetes and Cataracts?

What Is the Link Between Diabetes and Cataracts?

VIEW DETAILS
What is Digital Eye Strain?

What is Digital Eye Strain?

VIEW DETAILS
What is Cataract and what Causes Cataracts

What is Cataract and what Causes Cataracts

VIEW DETAILS
How to Cure Dry Eyes Permanently

How to Cure Dry Eyes Permanently

VIEW DETAILS