

The eye is firm and round, like a basketball. This nerve transmits the images we see back to the brain for interpretation. The optic nerve, which is located in the back of the eye, is the main visual nerve for the eye. Glaucoma with normal intraocular pressure is discussed below in the section on the different types of glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving sight in people with glaucoma.Įlevated pressure in the eye is the main factor leading to glaucomatous damage to the eye (optic) nerve.Much research into the causes and treatment of glaucoma is being carried out throughout the world.Most cases can be controlled well with these treatments, thereby preventing further loss of vision. Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops, although laser treatment and surgery can also be used.Several painless tests that determine the intraocular pressure, the status of the optic nerve and drainage angle, and visual fields are used to diagnose the presence of glaucoma and monitor its progression.Damage to the optic nerve and impairment of vision from glaucoma is irreversible.The two main types of glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma, which has several variants and is a long duration (chronic) condition, and angle-closure glaucoma, which may be either a sudden (acute) condition or a chronic disease.While anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at greater risk.Intraocular pressure increases when either too much fluid is produced in the eye or the drainage or outflow channels (trabecular meshwork) of the eye become blocked.

Glaucoma usually causes no symptoms early in its course, at which time it can only be diagnosed by regular eye examinations (screenings with the frequency of examination based on age and the presence of other risk factors).Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world.Glaucoma is an eye disease that is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure, in which damage to the eye (optic) nerve can lead to loss of vision and even blindness.Patient Comments: Glaucoma - Surgery ExperienceĪ glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that develop due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye.Patient Comments: Glaucoma - Risk Factors.Patient Comments: Glaucoma - Effective Treatments.What types of surgery or laser therapy treat glaucoma?.What medications (eyedrops) treat glaucoma?.How often should someone be screened for glaucoma?.What are the two main types of glaucoma?.
