Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases effecting the optical nerve which result in a gradual loss of vision and, if untreated, total blindness. Glaucoma is commonly associated with intraocular pressure (eye pressure), but the amount of pressure that results in loss of vision varies from person to person. Damage to the optical nerve can occur despite normal intraocular pressure. Secondary glaucoma occurs when other diseases cause or exacerbate the increase in intracocular pressure.
As of yet, there is no cure for glaucoma. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.
It was once thought that high pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure or IOP, is the main cause of this optic nerve damage. Although IOP is clearly a risk factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved because even people with “normal” levels of pressure can experience vision loss from glaucoma.
Adult glaucoma falls into two categories: Open Angle Glaucoma and Closed Angle Glaucoma.
Treatment options include laser surgery, trabeculectomy, and glaucoma drainage implants.
Information on this page is adapted from Glaucoma.org, the website of the Glaucoma Research Foundation in San Francisco, California, and is copyrighted by the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) website provides information and resources on GRF programs, glaucoma, and glaucoma-related issues. GRF works to ensure that the information provided on its website is current, accurate, and useful. Information contained in this website is based on professional advice and expert opinion. However, the information contained on this website should not be considered medical guidance or professional advice. Please bear in mind that this is a wiki, so there is a possibility that the information above has been temporarily altered. Always seek out secondary sources or professional medical advice before acting on the above information.
