Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It is the second leading cause of blindness around the world, and people who are over age 60 are at a greatly increased risk for glaucoma.1
In this guide, we’ll examine the causes, signs, symptoms, complications and treatments for glaucoma and provide a list of state and national resources for those suffering from or at risk of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is not just a single condition. It refers to a group of conditions that can happen when the optic nerve of your eye becomes damaged.
The optic nerve – or cranial nerve – is located in the back of the eye and serves as the main transmitter of visual information from your eye to your brain.
There are several different types of glaucoma.
Also called chronic or primary glaucoma, open-angle is the most common form of glaucoma, accounting for around 90 percent of all cases.2 “Open angle” means there is a wide open angle between the iris and cornea.
This type of glaucoma develops slowly and usually includes symptoms and damage that are not easily noticed.
Also called acute or narrow-angle glaucoma, this type of glaucoma develops very quickly with noticeable signs and symptoms and requires immediate medical attention.
In this type of glaucoma, the angle between the iris and cornea is closing.
The causes of this type of glaucoma, also called low-tension or normal-pressure glaucoma, are still unknown.
People of Japanese ancestry, those with a family history of normal-tension glaucoma and those with a history of systemic heart disease have been shown to be at an increased risk for this type of glaucoma.3
This rare type of glaucoma occurs in babies and may be inherited.
Also called childhood glaucoma, pediatric glaucoma or infantile glaucoma, this condition is caused by an incorrect development of the eye’s drainage system prior to birth.
Secondary glaucoma refers to any other form of glaucoma in which there is an identifiable cause, such as injury, certain drugs or medications, diabetes, cataracts or inflammation.
Secondary glaucoma can be grouped into several different categories:
Glaucoma is caused by a buildup of pressure in the eye.
A normal level of ocular pressure ranges from 12 to 22 millimeters of Mercury. Anything above that level could lead to glaucoma.
There is fluid that flows naturally between the iris and the cornea of the eye which cleanses other parts of the eye and provides a necessary lubricant. If that fluid is unable to then escape the eye at its normal rate, pressure can build up and glaucoma can begin to form as a result.
The problem causing the buildup can be something that is blocking the fluid from escaping, or it can be traced to too much fluid being produced in the first place.
The blockage of fluid or release of excess fluid do not have a known cause, though doctors know it can be inherited and have identified certain genes that present an increased risk.
People with any of the following traits may be at an increased risk for developing glaucoma:
The signs and symptoms of glaucoma can depend partly on the type of glaucoma that is present.
Some of the symptoms sometimes associated with glaucoma can include:
Spotty vision or blind spots can affect your peripheral vision and lead to tunnel vision, which is when you can no longer see to the side, above or below without turning your head. Tunnel vision can eventually progress to total blindness, which occurs during the final stages of glaucoma.
Glaucoma often doesn’t cause any pain, especially in the early stages. And because the symptoms can come on slowly, studies estimate that only around 50 percent of people with glaucoma are even aware that they have the disease.5
Many people don’t experience any real glaucoma symptoms until the disease has progressed into the later stages.
Glaucoma can be detected with a visual field test, in which a doctor will ask you to spot flashing lights around the rim of your field of vision.
There are also a few more technical approaches to diagnosing glaucoma.
One way to catch glaucoma in its early stages is to have your vision checked on an annual basis.
Deteriorating vision can have a greater effect on your overall health.
For example, vision loss can greatly increase the risk of falls, especially among senior adults.
Poor vision can also contribute to senior isolation or depression, as it can become more difficult to socialize, partake in hobbies and do things outside of the house.
Glaucoma may also affect your ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing and preparing food.
There are a few different ways to treat glaucoma. The type of treatment used generally depends on the type of glaucoma that is present.
Eye drops are an easier form of glaucoma treatment. The type of drops used are designed to reduce pressure in the eye and increase the flow of fluid.
Some people experience side effects of these eye drops, including dizziness, asthma attacks, cardiovascular disease, nausea and fatigue.
Prescription drugs may be used to address the amount of fluid buildup in the eye or the rate that it is flowing back out.
Medication may also be used to address some secondary causes of glaucoma such as diabetes, high or low blood pressure or heart conditions.
Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce pressure in the eyes and has been used to treat glaucoma.
Medical marijuana is legal in 36 states (as of 2021), so not everyone has access to this type of treatment.6
Surgery is often a last resort after other treatments don’t work, or if the glaucoma has been left untreated and is in its final stages.
Laser surgery offers a quick and painless solution to unclogging the path for fluid to properly flow through the eye. Traditional glaucoma surgery involves a doctor manually entering the eye to open up new drainage areas.
Medicare Part B provides some coverage of glaucoma tests and treatment.
Speak with your doctor or health care provider to find out more about how much your glaucoma test or treatment may cost.
The national and state resources listed below can help support you or your loved ones who may be suffering from glaucoma and other vision problems.
Prevent Blindness is a volunteer eye health and safety organization that has been fighting blindness through awareness, advocacy and education for more than 100 years.
EyeCare America provides comprehensive eye exams and eye care to eligible people age 65 and older, often with no out-of-pocket expenses.
Financial assistance for eye care can often be found through a local Lions Club chapter. Lions Club International is a charitable organization that serves communities through a variety of different programs and initiatives.
Knights Templar Eye Foundation
Sponsored by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, this charity organization aims to improve vision through research, education and supporting access to care.
SEE International provides eye care to people all over the world using volunteer doctors and clinics.
This not-for-profit organization collects, recycles and distributes donated eyeglasses to people who cannot afford them.
The Glaucoma Research Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for glaucoma.
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind coordinates programs, services and resources for blind people throughout the U.S.
BrightFocus is a non-profit organization that supports research in the fight against glaucoma.
The Glaucoma Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting research and collaboration in working toward a cure for glaucoma.
Phone: (334) 242-5000
Alabama Department of Senior Services
Phone: (800) 243-5463
Alabama Library and Resource Center for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Phone: (256) 761-3237
Alabama Industries for the Blind
Phone: (256) 761-3660
Phone: (907) 465-3347
Phone: (907) 465-4879
Alaska State Library Talking Book Center
Phone: (907) 465-5901
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (907) 248-7770
Assistive Technology of Alaska
Phone: (907) 563-2599
Arizona Medicaid Vision Insurance
Phone: (855) 432-7587
Phone: (602) 542-4710
Arizona Department of Administration Benefits - Vision Plans
Phone: (888) 759-9772
Phone: (480) 962-9121
Phone: (602) 251-3400
Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (602) 273-7411
Arkansas Medicaid Vision Insurance
Phone: (800) 482-5431
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Phone: (501) 686-9164
Arkansas Health Care Access Foundation, Inc.
Phone: (800) 950-8233
Arkansas Division of Aging and Adult Services
Phone: (501) 682-2441
Division of Services for the Blind
Phone: (501) 682-5463
Phone: (800) 300-1506
California Department of Aging
Phone: (800) 510-2020
Braille and Talking Book Library, California State Library
Phone: (916) 654-0640
Assistive Technology Exchange Center
Phone: (714) 361-6200
Blindness Support Services, Inc.
Phone: (951) 341-9244
Health First Colorado Vision Benefit
Phone: (800) 221-3943
Phone: (303) 866-5700
Phone: (303) 727-9277
Phone: (303) 778-1130
Phone: (970) 241-0315
Phone: (877) 284-8759
Phone: (860) 240-0100
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Connecticut State Library
Phone: (860) 721-2020
Connecticut State Department on Aging
Phone: (860) 424-5274
Connecticut Assistive Technology Project
Phone: (860) 424-4881
Phone: (302) 255-9500
Division for the Visually Impaired
Phone: (302) 255-9800
Phone: (302) 998-5913
Delaware Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (302) 798-8192
Phone: (202) 727-5355
DC Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Phone: (202) 727-2142
District of Columbia Office on Aging
Phone: (202) 724-5622
Assistive Technology Program for the District of Columbia
Phone: (202) 547-0198
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
Phone: (202) 454-6400
Phone: (866) 762-2237
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Phone: (850) 414-2000
Phone: (813) 874-2020
Phone: (850) 245-0331
Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services
Phone: (386) 239-6000
Phone: (404) 651-8681
Georgia Division of Aging Services
Phone: (866) 552-4464
Georgia Charitable Care Network
Phone: (404) 494-7823
Phone: (404) 325-3630
Georgia Industries for the Blind
Phone: (229) 248-2666
Phone: (800) 316-8005
Phone: (808) 961-8600
Phone: (808) 282-2265
Hawaii State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Phone: (808) 733-8444
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii
Phone: (808) 532-7110
Phone: (877) 456-1233
Phone: (208) 334-3833
Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (208) 334-3220
Idaho Assistive Technology Project
Phone: (208) 885-6000
Idaho Commission for Libraries Talking Book Service
Phone: (208) 334-2150
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Phone: (866) 468-7543
Phone: (312) 814-8449
Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness
Phone: (312) 363-6029
OASIS for the Visually Impaired
Phone: (708) 995-6121
Illinois Assistive Technology Project
Phone: (217) 522-7985
Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Phone: (312) 666-1331
Phone: (877) 822-7196
Phone: (800) 457-8283
Phone: (317) 844-0919
Talking Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Phone: (812) 379-1277
Phone: (317) 232-7867
Phone: (800) 338-8366
Phone: (800) 532-3213
Phone: (515) 281-1333
Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (712) 309-0678
Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Phone: (515) 281-1378
Phone: (800) 792-4884
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Phone: (785) 296-4986
Assistive Technology for Kansans Project
Phone: (620) 421-8367
Kansas Braille Transcription Institute
Phone: (316) 265-9692
Kansas Talking Book Library Service
Phone: (620) 341-6280
Phone: (800) 372-2973
Department for Aging and Independent Living
Phone: (502) 564-6930
Phone: (502) 782-3414
Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network
Phone: (800) 327-5287
Low Vision Services of Kentucky
Phone: (859) 977-1129
Phone: (888) 342-6207
Office of Aging & Adult Services
Phone: (866) 758-5035
Phone: (504) 899-4501
Phone: (337) 234-6492
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network
Phone: (225) 925-9500
Louisiana Association for the Blind
Phone: (318) 635-6471
Phone: (207) 287-3703
Office of Aging and Disability Services
Phone: (800) 262-2232
Maine Department of Labor: Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (207) 623-7900
Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Maine State Library
Phone: (207) 287-5650
Phone: (410) 767-6500
Commissions on Aging in Maryland
Phone: (410) 767-1100
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland
Phone: (410) 737-2600
Phone: (301) 579-3204
Phone: (410) 243-2020
Phone: (800) 841-2900
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Phone: (800) 922-2275
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Phone: (617) 727-5550
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Phone: (617) 727-7750
Worcester Talking Book Library at Worcester Public Library
Phone: (508) 799-1730
Phone: (888) 367-6557
Office of Services to the Aging
Phone: (517) 241-4100
Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
Phone: (517) 373-2062
Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency
Phone: (517) 373-8230
Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (616) 458-1187
Phone: (651) 431-2000
Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Phone: (651) 539-2300
Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
Phone: (507) 333-4828
Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss
Phone: (218) 624-4828
Phone: (651) 431-2500
Phone: (800) 421-2408
Mississippi Aging and Adult Services
Phone: (844) 437-6282
Talking Book Services, Mississippi Library Commission
Phone: (601) 432-4116
Phone: (601) 359-4929
Mississippi Industries for the Blind
Phone: (601) 984-3200
Phone: (855) 373-4636
Area Agencies on Aging & Services
Phone: (800) 392-0210
Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind
Phone: (573) 751-4249
Missouri Division of Senior and Disability Services
Phone: (573) 751-6001
Phone: (314) 832-7172
Phone: (888) 706-1535
Phone: (406) 444-2511
Phone: (800) 601-5004
Phone: (406) 444-2064
Montana Independent Living Project
Phone: (406) 442-5744
Phone: (855) 632-7633
Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging
Phone: (402) 721-7770
Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (402) 471-3009
Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership
Phone: (402) 471-0734
Nebraska Library Commission: Talking Book and Braille Service
Phone: (402) 471-4038
Phone: (877) 638-3472
Aging and Disability Services Division
Phone: (775) 687-4210
Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (402) 471-2891
Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership
Phone: (402) 471-0734
Phone: (308) 762-3124
Phone: (603) 271-4344
Services for Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (603) 271-3537
Talking Book Services, New Hampshire State Library
Phone: (603) 271-3429
New Hampshire Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services
Phone: (603) 271-4680
Assistive Technology in New Hampshire
Phone: (603) 862-4320
Phone: (800) 356-1561
Phone: (800) 792-9745
New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (973) 648-3333
New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center
Phone: (609) 406-7179
New Jersey Council of the Blind
Phone: (609) 912-0657
Phone: (800) 820-6901
Phone: (505) 476-4799
New Mexico Commission for the Blind
Phone: (505) 476-4479
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program
Phone: (505) 841-4464
New Mexico Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Phone: (505) 476-9770
Phone: (800) 541-2831
Phone: (800) 342-9871
New York Commission for the Blind
Phone: (518) 474-6812
New York State Talking Book and Braille Library
Phone: (518) 474-5935
Association for the Visually Impaired
Phone: (845) 574-4950
Phone: (888) 245-0179
Aging and Adult Services Assistance
Phone: (919) 855-3400
Phone: (800) 662-7030
North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind
Phone: (919) 733-9822
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, State Library of North Carolina
Phone: (919) 733-4376
Phone: (800) 755-2604
Phone: (855) 462-5465
Phone: (701) 795-2700
North Dakota Dual Sensory Project
Phone: (701) 795-2730
Phone: (701) 365-4728
Phone: (800) 324-8680
Phone: (800) 266-4346
Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled
Phone: (216) 623-2911
Phone: (614) 292-2390
Phone: (800) 987-7767
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Phone: (405) 521-3514
Oklahoma Aging Services Division
Phone: (405) 521-2281
Phone: (405) 232-4644
Phone: (877) 578-6212
Phone: (800) 699-9075
Phone: (503) 945-5600
Services for Seniors & People with Disabilities
Phone: (503) 945-5600
Oregon Commission for the Blind
Phone: (971) 673-1588
Oregon Talking Book and Braille Library
Phone: (503) 378-5389
Phone: (800) 692-7462
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
Phone: (717) 783-1550
Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Phone: (215) 627-0600
Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (610) 874-1476
Pennsylvania Association for the Blind
Phone: (717) 766-2020
Phone: (888) 657-3173
Phone: (401) 462-4444
Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (401) 277-2382
Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership
Phone: (401) 462-7917
Phone: (888) 549-0820
South Carolina Department on Aging
Phone: (800) 868-9095
Talking Book Services, South Carolina State Library
Phone: (803) 734-4611
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
Phone: (803) 935-5263
South Carolina Commission for the Blind
Phone: (803) 898-8764
Phone: (605) 773-3165
South Dakota Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (605) 773-4644
South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library
Phone: (605) 773-3131
South Dakota Long Term Services and Supports
Phone: (605) 773-3656
Phone: (800) 342-3145
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
Phone: (615) 741-2056
Tennessee Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (615) 313-4914
Tennessee Council for the Blind
Phone: (615) 227-1941
Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Phone: (615) 741-3915
Phone: (800) 252-8263
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Phone: (855) 937-2372
American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss
Phone: (214) 352-7222
Lions Low Vision Center of Texas
Phone: (210) 567-8600
Texas Assistive Technology Project
Phone: (512) 232-0740
Phone: (800) 662-9651
Phone: (801) 538-4171
Utah State Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (801) 323-4343
Phone: (801) 524-2020
Utah Assistive Technology Program
Phone: (435) 797-3824
Phone: (800) 925-1706
Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
Phone: (802) 241-2401
Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (802) 241-0238
Phone: (802) 895-2973
Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
Phone: (802) 828-3273
Phone: (855) 242-8282
Office for Aging Services, Division for Community Living
Phone: (804) 662-9333
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
Phone: (804) 371-3140
Virginia Industries for the Blind
Phone: (804) 295-5168
Virginia Assistive Technology System
Phone: (804) 662-9990
Phone: (855) 682-0787
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
Phone: (206) 906-5510
Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
Phone: (206) 615-0400
Phone: (206) 525-5556
Vision for Independence Center
Phone: (509) 452-8301
Phone: (888) 483-0793
West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services
Phone: (304) 558-3317
West Virginia Office of Adult Services
Phone: (304) 356-4811
West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems
Phone: (304) 293-4692
Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Phone: (304) 528-5700
Phone: (608) 266-1865
Programs and Services for Older Adults in Wisconsin
Phone: (608) 266-1865
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library
Phone: (414) 286-3045
Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: (608) 266-7498
Phone: (414) 615-0100
Phone: (307) 777-7531
Wyoming Department of Health - Aging Division
Phone: (307) 777-7995
Phone: (307) 777-7986
Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources
Phone: (307) 766-6187
Phone: (307) 746-6166
Our research reports analyze a number of issues important to seniors, from health perceptions, medical communication, health habits, and more.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Don’t Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight! (Dec. 6, 2018). Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/features/glaucoma-awareness/index.html.
2 Glaucoma Research Foundation. Types of Glaucoma. (Oct. 29, 2017). Retrieved from www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/types-of-glaucoma.php.
3 Glaucoma Research Foundation. Normal-Tension Glaucoma. (Dec. 10, 2018). Retrieved from www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/normal-tension-glaucoma.php.
4 Tsai, J. MD. High Eye Pressure and Glaucoma. (Oct. 29, 2017). Glaucoma Research Foundation. Retrieved from www.glaucoma.org/gleams/high-eye-pressure-and-glaucoma.php.
5 Friedman, D. MD, MPH. Prevalence of Open-Angle Glaucoma Among Adults in the United States. (Apr. 2004). Archives of Ophthalmology, 122(4), 532-538. doi:10.1001/archopht.122.4.532.
6 National Conference of State Legislatures. State Medical Marijuana Laws. (Nov. 10, 2020). Retrieved from www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx.
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