---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/glaucoma'
title: Glaucoma
author:
  name: 'Jennifer Cross'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/102'
date: '2018-11-05T17:55:24+00:00'
updated: '2026-05-13T17:57:26+00:00'
type: topic
summary: 'Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve, which sends messages from your eye to your brain so you can see. Damage to the optic nerve can cause vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. It usually affects people later in life.'
tags:
  - Health
published: true
---
 Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends signals from your eye to your brain so you can see. When this nerve is damaged, it can lead to vision loss and even blindness.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness around the world. In the United States, it is the most common cause of blindness in Black Americans. Glaucoma most often affects older adults.



 



 

 [Basic Facts

 ](/a-z-topic/glaucoma/basic-facts) 

 

 [Causes

 ](/a-z-topic/glaucoma/causes) 

 

 [Symptoms

 ](/a-z-topic/glaucoma/symptoms) 

 

 [Diagnosis & Tests

 ](/a-z-topic/glaucoma/tests) 

 

 [Care & Treatment

 ](/a-z-topic/glaucoma/care-treatment)