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What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which damage to the optic nerve leads to loss of vision. Because the vision loss is often gradual and there are few other symptoms, many people in the early stages of glaucoma are unaware they have it. Glaucoma is much more common in people aged 40 years and over.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What causes glaucoma?

The exact causes of glaucoma are not completely understood. Glaucoma is often associated with raised pressure inside the eye, so reducing this pressure is a key part of treatment.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

In most forms of early glaucoma, there are few symptoms. There is no pain or discomfort and vision loss is peripheral (to the side) and often difficult to notice. In an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma, there can be severe pain in the affected eye, …

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

There is no single test for glaucoma. Instead, the combined results of several tests are used to diagnose the condition. Because many people in the early stages of glaucoma do not experience any obvious symptoms, glaucoma is often detected at a regular eye …

What is angle-closure glaucoma?

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris and cornea are too close and block the flow of fluid into the anterior chamber angle of the eye, often leading to increased pressure inside the eye. It can develop slowly over time, but symptoms often occur …

What is open-angle glaucoma?

Open-angle glaucoma occurs when, despite the eye's anterior chamber angle being open, the drainage of fluid from the eye becomes blocked. This can lead to increased pressure inside the eye and damage to the optic nerve. Most people with open-angle glaucoma are …

What is secondary glaucoma?

Secondary glaucoma is caused by damage or changes to the structures inside the eye that block the outflow of fluid from the eye. Causes of secondary glaucoma can include eye injuries, cataracts, diabetes, inflammation inside the eye and some medications.

What is congenital glaucoma?

Congenital glaucoma occurs in infants as a result of eye structures that do not form correctly during gestation, leading to blockage of fluid outflow from the eye. This can lead to increased pressure inside the eye and damage to the optic nerve. It can run in …

How is glaucoma treated?

Treatment depends on the type of glaucoma, how far the condition has progressed, a person's overall medical history and their personal circumstances.

Can glaucoma be prevented?

With the exception of some cases of angle-closure glaucoma, it is not possible to prevent glaucoma, or to reverse damage to the optic nerve. Having regular eye exams can help to detect signs of glaucoma as early as possible.

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 13 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Votes: 32 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Eye injuries

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