Which part of the body does glaucoma affect?

The story behind the answer

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually because fluid pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) becomes too high. The damage typically starts with loss of side (peripheral) vision and can progress to blindness if not treated, so the condition specifically affects the eyes.

As a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, glaucoma often has no early symptoms, making regular comprehensive eye exams vital. Risk is higher with age, family history, steroid use, diabetes, and in some ethnic groups. Treatments aim to lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve—most commonly with pressure-lowering eye drops, but also laser procedures and surgeries that improve aqueous humor drainage or reduce its production.