Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops when too much fluid pressure builds up inside of the eye. It is usually inherited and may not show up until later in life. The increased pressure caused by Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve leading to loss of vision. Permanent blindness can result within a few years. Very few people with this disease show early symptoms or pain from the increased pressure. Regular eye doctor appointments can help to catch the disease in its early stages. If there is a family history of glaucoma, those over age 45 should see an eye doctor at least once a year, perhaps more frequently.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (Wide-Angle Glaucoma)

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. In this version, the eye structures appear normal, but fluid within the eye does not flow through the drainage system properly due to some sort of clog developed over time. With open-angle glaucoma, the entrances to the drainage system are clear, and the clog is further inside the drainage canals.

Secondary Open-Angle Glaucoma:
1. Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma
This form of glaucoma occurs when a flaky dandruff like material peels off of the outer layer of the lens within the eye. This material then collects and can clog the drainage system of the eye.

2. Pigmentary Glaucoma
This type of glaucoma occurs when pigment granules in the back of the iris break into the clear fluid produced inside the eye. These granules then clog the drainage system causing pressure to rise.

3. Traumatic Glaucoma
An injury to the eye can cause secondary open-angle glaucoma as well. These injuries can be blunt injuries or can penetrate the eye. Severe nearsightedness, previous injury, infection, or prior surgery can make the eye more vulnerable to a serious injury and therefore glaucoma.

Angle Closure Glaucoma (Acute Glaucoma or Narrow Angle Glaucoma)
Angle closure glaucoma is a much more rare form of glaucoma. Eye pressure usually rises very quickly in this form of glaucoma. This occurs when the drainage canals of the eye are blocked or covered over. The outer edge of the iris bunches up over these canals as the pupil enlarges too much or too quickly as when entering a dark room.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma
• Race
Leading cause of blindness in African-Americans
Hispanic populations over age 60 at higher risk
People of Asian descent seem to have a higher risk for angle closure glaucoma
• Age over 60
• Family History of Glaucoma: specifically primary open-angle glaucoma
• Steroid users
• Eye Injury
• Nearsightedness
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Central corneal thickness less than .5 mm

Treatment Options
There are many treatment options for glaucoma, and each one’s effectiveness is based upon the type of glaucoma being treated. Medications available include Adrenergic, Beta Blockers, Cholinergic, Prostaglandin Analogs, Alpha Agonist, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors, or a combination of the above. Surgery is available for cases in which medication is not sufficient to lower pressure. It cannot reverse vision loss.

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