an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and impairs vision (sometimes progressing to blindness)
"contrary to popular belief, glaucoma is not always caused by elevated intraocular pressure"
An eye disease or disorder that is defined as a characteristic optic neuropathy, or disease of the optic nerve, possibly, if untreated, leading to damage of the optic disc of the eye and resultant visual field loss due to lack of communication between the retina and the brain, which can lead to blindness.
"After his routine exam revealed glaucoma, the doctor explained that without immediate treatment, the progressive nerve damage could eventually cause permanent vision loss and total blindness."