Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eyes’ optic nerves. Damage does not become noticeable until significant damage has occurred and if not treated could lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. Glaucoma is usually present with high intraocular pressure, pressure in the eyes, and results in a loss of peripheral vision. Early detection through eye exams will greatly help slowing down the disease.
Forms of Glaucoma
- Normal-tension Glaucoma – occurs when there is optic nerve damage and loss of vision even with intraocular pressure within a normal range
- Angle-closure Glaucoma – Increase in eye intraocular pressure due either to too much fluid being produced in the eye or to fluid not being able to exit the eye due to a blockage of the meshwork inside the eye. This can cause pain, headaches, nausea, red eyes, blurred eyes and vision loss. According to the NEI, “This is a medical emergency. If your doctor is unavailable, go to the nearest hospital or clinic. Without treatment to improve the flow of fluid, the eye can become blind in as few as one or two days.”
- Secondary Glaucoma – can form after eye surgeries or from certain medical conditions like diabetes
- Congenital Glaucoma – present at birth due to birth defects that hinders the flow of fluid out of the eye that causes cloudy, white eyes and sensitivity to lights
- Open-Angle glaucoma – the most common type of glaucoma, occurs when fluid drainage from the eye is hindered, causing intraocular pressure to increase above normal, thus damaging optic nerves and eventually leading to vision loss. Usually peripheral (side) vision is damaged first leading to tunnel vision and in time to blindness if not properly treated and monitored
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