1. How does glaucoma cause vision loss?

Glaucoma causes vision loss through a series of steps:

1. Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve in your eye. The optic nerve is crucial for vision as it transmits images to the brain.

2. The damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye, also known as intraocular pressure. This high pressure occurs when the eye's drainage system becomes clogged and the fluid in the eye cannot drain properly.

3. Over time, the increased pressure can erode the optic nerve tissue, which can lead to vision loss or even blindness.

4. Initially, glaucoma tends to cause peripheral vision loss (side vision loss). This is often not noticeable until the disease is quite advanced.

5. If the condition continues to worsen without treatment, people with glaucoma may find that they are looking through a narrow tunnel. Over time, even this narrowed field can decrease, leading to total blindness.

6. Unfortunately, any vision loss due to glaucoma is usually irreversible. This is why early detection (through regular eye exams) and treatment to manage eye pressure is important.