Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a term used to describe a group of ocular disorders with multi-factorial etiology united by a clinically characterized by intraocular pressure-associated optic neuropath. It is normally associated with increased fluid pressure in the eye (aqueous humour). High intraocular pressure (above 21 mmHg or 2.8 kPa) is the most important and only variable risk factor for glaucoma. However, some may have high eye pressure for years and never develop damage, while others can develop nerve damage at a relatively low pressure. Glaucoma if left untreated can lead to permanent damage of the optic nerve and resultant visual field loss, which over time can progress to blindness.

Types of glaucoma:

There are four main types of glaucoma:

Chronic open-angle glaucoma – This is the most common type of glaucoma and develops very slowly
Primary angle-closure glaucoma – This is rare and can occur slowly (chronic) or may develop rapidly (acute) with a sudden, painful build-up of pressure in the eye.
Secondary glaucoma – This occurs as a result of an eye injury or another eye condition, such as uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye).
Developmental glaucoma (congenital glaucoma) – This is rare but can be serious. It is usually present at birth or develops shortly after birth. It is caused by an abnormality of the eye.