Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause blindness with few warning signs. There are two main types: chronic and acute. Regular eye exams and early treatment are crucial for prevention. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Glaucoma is a term that covers several eye diseases that gradually lead to blindness. These conditions have few warning signs and very few symptoms. The first sign is usually loss of peripheral vision.
There are two main types of glaucoma, although there are different categories of disease within each type. Glaucoma and cataracts are often thought of as the same disease, but the two diseases, while often seen together, are not related.
The first type is chronic or primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). POAG is caused by blockage of the eye canal and forces the pressure in the eye to rise due to lack of drainage. This form affects more than three million Americans and responds well to treatment if caught early. Without regular eye exams, POAG causes gradual loss of vision and is often irreparable if diagnosed too late.
The second main type is known as acute or angle-closure glaucoma. It is not as common as POAG and differs in that the pressure in the eye develops at a faster rate. This type is characterized by the iris and cornea not opening as fully as they should. Treatment generally involves surgery to trim the outer edges of the iris. Symptoms can include blurred vision, headache, and nausea.
Other types of disease may include normal, secondary, pigmented, traumatic, and neovascular tension glaucomas.
Glaucoma can also be hereditary, especially in those with a family history of the disease or are of Japanese ancestry. Others at risk include those with heart problems or those who have sustained eye injuries.
Prevention is the key to avoiding developing glaucoma in any form. Regular eye exams and talks with an ophthalmologist can help diagnose the disease early enough for treatment. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the second leading cause in the United States. With proper eye care, glaucoma-induced blindness can be prevented.
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