Glaucoma - Complications with glaucoma

The main complication of glaucoma is loss of vision that can't be repaired. This is why early diagnosis and treatment is so important.

Loss of vision

In the UK, glaucoma is responsible for around one in 10 cases of visual impairment.

If you have some loss of vision due to glaucoma, more information is available on the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) website. The RNIB offers advice about:

Complications from treatment

If you have surgery to treat glaucoma, there is always a risk of infection. Most infections can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

You may also have a reaction to certain types of eye drops. Speak to the healthcare professionals treating you if you feel unwell while being treated for glaucoma.

Driving

If you have glaucoma, it could affect your ability to drive. It's your legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about a medical condition that could affect your driving ability.

Visit GOV.UK to find out how to tell the DVLA about a medical condition.


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