Glaucoma is a condition caused by excessive fluid pressure in the eyes that can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness if left untreated. The two most common types are open-angle glaucoma, where fluid fails to drain properly from the eye over time, and angle-closure glaucoma, where the drainage angle is blocked. Symptoms often do not appear until permanent damage has occurred. While there is no cure, treatments exist to lower pressure and prevent further vision loss.

1. Glaucoma: Relieve the Pressure
What Exactly is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the result of excessive pressure build-up in the eyes. Such excessive pressure can
affect the optic nerve and lead to peripheral blindness if left untreated. The aqueous humor, or
fluid inside the eye, should naturally regulate itself, flowing in an out of the eye and maintaining
optimal pressure levels. However, in individuals affected by glaucoma, the eye fluid does not
flow out of the eye properly, building excessive pressure in the eye. Sustained pressure buildup
in the eyes can result in severe damage to the optic nerve fibers. Glaucoma is a relatively
common eye condition, affecting over 3 million Americans. Glaucoma can affect anyone
regardless of age and is associated with mildly irritating to severely disruptive symptoms.
What are the Main Types of Glaucoma?
The two most common types of glaucoma include open-angle and angle-closure. If left
untreated, both of these conditions could eventually lead to peripheral blindness. If you suspect
that you may have glaucoma, it is important to contact your ophthalmologist for an eye exam as
soon as possible.
Open-angle glaucoma – Open angle glaucoma is the most common form of the condition. In
individuals with open-angle glaucoma, the aqueous humorous fails to flow properly out of the
eye, resulting in excessive pressure build-up and eventual optic nerve damage. Open-angle
glaucoma progresses rather slowly, and if often not detected until permanent damage has
occurred. Annual eye exams can help your ophthalmologist detect and treat early signs of openangle glaucoma before any permanent damage occurs.
Angle-closure glaucoma – One in ten glaucoma patients are diagnosed with angle-closure
glaucoma. This type of glaucoma involves blockage in the ocular meshwork. Angle-closure
glaucoma can cause vision abnormalities, such as farsightedness, and other structural damage to
the eye. Angle-closure glaucoma can progress rapidly, or slowly over time. Some angle-closure
glaucoma patients are born with narrow drainage angles, putting them at higher risk for
developing the condition.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Many individuals who have glaucoma may not know that they suffer from the condition.
Unfortunately, there are typically no symptoms of glaucoma until the disease has progressed to
cause permanent damage. Symptoms of later-stage glaucoma include:
Unexplained vision loss
Moderate to severe eye pain
Chronic, blurry vision
Intermittent nausea and/or vomiting
“Halos” in vision
Who is at Risk for Developing Glaucoma?
Several factors may influence your risk of developing glaucoma, such as:

2. Individuals over 45 who do need visit the eye doctor annually
Individuals with a family history of glaucoma
Individuals with naturally high eye pressure
Individuals of African descent
Individuals diagnosed with diabetes
Individuals who are nearsighted
Individuals who have experienced eye trauma
Individuals who engage in long-term steroid use
Safe, Effective Treatments for Glaucoma
Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma. The good news is that there are several treatment
options that can safely and effectively relieve and prevent any worsening of symptoms. Every
eye is unique, so it is always best to consult with your board certified ophthalmologist to
discover which treatments may be best for the type and severity of your condition.