Eye Health Information

Glaucoma

Primary open angle is the most common form. It occurs when the fluid drainage is poor and fluid builds up in the eye and the internal eye pressure goes up. This increased pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. The exact mechanism of damage is still unknown. It develops gradually and painlessly and has no initial symptoms. If untreated, peripheral or side vision is slowly lost.

Some people can have high eye pressure but the optic nerve does not get damaged. This condition is called Ocular Hypertension. These patients must be closely followed because of the risk of developing glaucoma.

Low Tension (or Normal Tension) glaucoma is not as common. In these cases, the eye pressure is in the normal range but the optic nerve still gets damaged. The exact mechanism of damage is still unknown.

Glaucoma can develop as a complication from other conditions including:

• Eye injuries
• Uveitis (internal eye inflammation)
• Pigment dispersion
• Diabetes (Neovascular glaucoma)
• Steroid use

Angle closure glaucoma is an emergency situation. It occurs when the iris itself blocks the drainage angle and results in a sudden increase in pressure. Symptoms include severe eye pain, nausea, eye redness and very blurred vision. Immediate treatment is required.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma:

• High Intraocular (Eye) Pressure
• Over the age of 40
• Family history of glaucoma
• African or Caribbean descent
• Thin cornea
• High myopia (Nearsightedness)
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure