Medical Health Encyclopedia

Glaucoma

As the optic nerve deteriorates due to decreased blood supply, blind spots develop in the field of vision. Peripheral (side) vision is affected first. This is usually not noticed until quite a bit of vision is lost. If the disease is not diagnosed and treated, a lot of vision may be lost before the person becomes aware of a problem.

Open angle glaucoma tends to run in families. Your risk is higher if you have a parent or grandparent with open angle glaucoma. People of African descent are at particularly high risk for this disease.

Angle closure (acute) glaucoma is caused by a shift in the position of the iris of the eye that suddenly blocks the exit of the aqueous humor fluid. This causes a quick, severe, and painful rise in the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure). Most people with angle closure glaucoma will also have redness and swelling in the affected eye. Nausea and vomiting may occur. Angle closure glaucoma is an emergency. This is very different from open angle glaucoma, which painlessly and slowly damages vision.

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If you have had acute glaucoma in one eye, you are almost certainly at risk for an attack in the second eye, and your doctor is likely to recommend preventive treatment.

Dilating eye drops and certain systemic medications may trigger an acute glaucoma attack if you are at risk.

Secondary glaucoma is caused by other diseases, including eye diseases such as uveitis, systemic diseases, and drugs such as corticosteroids.

Congenital glaucoma, which is present at birth, is the result of abnormal development of the fluid outflow channels of the eye. Surgery is required for correction. Congenital glaucoma is often hereditary.

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