Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). It is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

1. GLAUCOMA
A short overview
P. Harshitha Reddy

2. DEFINITION
 Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage
the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure
inside the eye (intraocular pressure). It is a
leading cause of irreversible blindness
worldwide.

3. TYPES
 Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common
type, develops gradually with no early symptoms.
 Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A less common type,
occurs suddenly and is a medical emergency.
 Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Occurs without
high eye pressure, possibly due to poor blood flow
to the optic nerve.

4. CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
 High intraocular pressure (IOP).
 Family history of glaucoma.
 Age (risk increases after 40).
 Certain medical conditions like diabetes or
hypertension.

5. SYMPTOMS
Open-angle glaucoma:
 Gradual vision loss, especially peripheral vision.
Angle-closure glaucoma:
 Severe eye pain
 headache
 nausea
 blurred vision
 halos around lights.

6. DIAGNOSIS
 Eye exams including tonometry (measures IOP),
visual field tests, and optic nerve imaging.

7. TREATMENT
 Medications: Eye drops to reduce IOP.
 Laser Therapy: To improve fluid drainage.
 Surgery: In severe cases to create new drainage
pathways.

8. PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT
 Early detection through regular eye checkups is
key. Managing risk factors and adhering to
treatment can help prevent or slow vision loss.