What Is Glaucoma (Green Cataract)?

2026-01-26

Glaucoma, also called green cataract, is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and gradually reduces the visual field. It mainly affects peripheral vision and is often detected late, which may increase fall risk in older adults [1].

What Happens in the Eye?

Inside the eye, fluid is continuously produced and drained. If drainage is impaired, eye pressure can increase.

Elevated intraocular pressure may damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals to the brain [1]. The damage is permanent and cannot be reversed, but progression can often be slowed with treatment.

Some forms of glaucoma occur even when eye pressure is within normal range.

How Common Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision impairment worldwide.

In Sweden, approximately 100,000 people are estimated to have glaucoma, and prevalence increases significantly with age [2]. The risk rises notably after age 70.

Because the disease progresses slowly, many individuals are unaware they are affected.

Common Symptoms

In early stages, glaucoma rarely causes noticeable symptoms [1].

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

Reduced visual field (“tunnel vision”)
Difficulty detecting objects from the side
Problems navigating unfamiliar environments
Increased unsteadiness while walking

In advanced stages, central vision may also become affected.

Glaucoma and Aging

Age is the most important risk factor for glaucoma [1]. Risk increases steadily after age 60–65.

Other risk factors include:

Family history
High intraocular pressure
Diabetes
High blood pressure

Because early glaucoma is often symptom-free, regular eye examinations are important later in life.

Glaucoma and Fall Risk

Peripheral vision is crucial for detecting obstacles, steps, and movement in the environment. When visual fields narrow, individuals may:

Miss objects at their side
Bump into furniture
Misjudge stairs or level changes

Research shows that visual field loss is associated with increased risk of falls and fractures in older adults [3].

Because vision changes occur gradually, individuals may not notice their shrinking field of vision, further increasing fall risk.

Treatment

Treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure and slow disease progression [1].

Common treatment options include:

Prescription eye drops
Laser therapy
Surgery

Treatment cannot restore lost vision but can reduce the risk of further damage.

When to Seek Medical Care

Glaucoma often has no early symptoms. Regular eye exams are therefore essential, especially after age 60.

Seek medical evaluation if you:

Have a family history of glaucoma
Notice changes in your visual field
Feel increasingly unsteady while walking

More information is available via 1177 Vårdguiden [1].

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