In an eye without glaucoma, a clear fluid called aqueous humor circulates through the eye and then drains out through a mesh-like channel (trabecular meshwork). In an eye that has glaucoma, this channel becomes blocked and fluid does not drain properly, this in turn increases the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). The increased intraocular pressure causes damage to the ocular nerves and blood vessels resulting in vision loss.
Types of glaucoma
The different types of glaucoma include:
- Open Angle Glaucoma: this is the most common form of glaucoma, it can also be called primary or chronic glaucoma. This type of glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage system becomes clogged and gradually increases the pressure inside the eye. The angle between the iris and cornea is wide open.
- Closed Angle Glaucoma: this form of glaucoma is less common and can cause sudden build of pressure in the eye. The angle between the iris and cornea is narrow or closed.
- Normal tension or low-tension glaucoma: the optic nerve is damaged in this type of glaucoma despite normal intraocular pressure.
Other types of glaucoma also include congenital, pigmentary, secondary, pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, traumatic glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma and irido corneal endothelial syndrome (ICE).
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce the pressure in your eyes, which involves using eye drops or medications. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery is performed to prevent further damage,
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