Definition

Glaucoma is a groups of eye diseases that can damage the eye nerve. Damage to the nerve can lead to poor eyesight and blindness. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type.

Early treatment can improve outcomes.

Glaucoma Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes    TOP

Fluid is made inside the eye. Glaucoma is caused by fluid that drains too slowly. This can increase pressure in the eye and damage the eye nerve.

Risk Factors    TOP

Open-angle glaucoma is more common in older adults. It is also more common in people of African and Hispanic descent.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

• High eye pressure
• Certain eye problems, such as a thin cornea
• Nearsightedness
• A family history of glaucoma
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Migraine headaches

Symptoms    TOP

Open angle glaucoma may not have symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms happen, they may be:

• Problems driving at night
• Problems seeing things that are close up
• Reading more slowly than usual

Diagnosis    TOP

The eye doctor will ask about symptoms and health history.

An eye exam will be done. Tests will include:

• Tonometry—to measure eye pressure
• Visual field test—to see if there is vision loss
• Imaging of the eye nerve and other parts of the eye—to check for damage
• Pachymetry—to check the thickness of the cornea (clear dome over the eye)
• Gonioscopy—to see if fluid channels in the eye are open or closed

Treatment    TOP

The goal of treatment is to lower eye pressure. The doctor will watch for changes over time. Options are:

• Eye drops—to reduce the fluid the eye makes or increase the flow of fluid
• Laser treatment—to increase the flow of fluid
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)—to drain fluid using stents, bypasses, or implants
• Other surgery to drain excess fluid from the eye

Eyesight problems can be stressful. Care may include counseling and support groups.

Prevention    TOP

There are no guidelines to prevent open-angle glaucoma.