Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the term for a group of eye diseases during which pressure-induced damage to the nerves in the back of the eye - the optic nerves - results in loss of eyesight. Peripheral (side) vision is the first to go, with blindness as an eventual outcome.

There are two major types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Less common variations include congenital glaucoma, which occurs in children, pigmentary glaucoma, which primarily affects males in their mid-30s to mid-40s, and secondary glaucoma, which often occurs following an eye injury.

Open-angle glaucoma - also known as chronic glaucoma - is the most common form of glaucoma, yet it is also the least symptomatic. About half of the people who suffer from chronic glaucoma don't know they have it until permanent damage has already occurred.

The less-common type of glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, accounts for just 10 percent of all glaucoma cases in the United States. Symptoms come on suddenly and include blurred vision, pain and redness in one eye. Other signs may include headaches, nausea and vomiting. One variation of closed-angle glaucoma, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency, requiring immediate medical care to prevent permanent eye damage. Any symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma should be treated as potentially dangerous and should be treated promptly.

Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma, although special eye drops may be used to relieve pressure on the optic nerves. Glaucoma is usually a disqualifier for LASIK surgery.

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