Glaucoma
is a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is made up
of nerve fibers from all parts of the retina. The optic nerve
carries the images we see to the brain. In glaucoma, some of
the nerve fibers become damaged so nerve signals cannot reach
the brain.
As a result, there can be “blind
spots” – usually at the outer edges of the field
of vision. This gradual loss of peripheral or side vision is
the main sign of glaucoma. If not treated, glaucoma can affect
more and more nerve fibers causing “shrinking” of
the visual field.
