Glaucoma. Ophthalmoscope view of the retina of a patient's eye with glaucoma. The optic disc (bright yellow, at centre) is where blood vessels and nerves emerge into the eye. The glaucoma has caused enlargement of the optic disc with blood vessels abnormally hooked over the rim of the disc. Blood vessel leakage (haematoma) can also be seen just below the disc. Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure of the fluid in the eye is so high as to damage it's internal structures. It is the result of a defect in the drainage of fluids (known as aqueous humour) from the eyeball. Chronic simple glaucoma is a common cause of blindness in the elderly.