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What is Glaucoma?

Kat Yares
Kat Yares

Glaucoma is a term that covers several eye diseases that gradually lead to blindness. These conditions have few warning signs and very few symptoms. The first sign is generally the loss of peripheral vision.

There are two major types of glaucoma, although there are several categories of the disease within each type. Glaucoma and cataracts are often thought of as the same disease, but the two illnesses, while often seen together, are unrelated.

Anatomy of a healthy human eye.
Anatomy of a healthy human eye.

The first type is chronic or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). POAG is caused by the eye canal becoming blocked and forces pressure in the eye to rise due to lack of drainage. This form affects more than three million Americans and, if caught early, responds well to treatment. Without regular eye exams, POAG causes gradual vision loss and is often un-repairable if diagnosed too late.

An eye exam can check for glaucoma.
An eye exam can check for glaucoma.

The second major type is known as acute or angle closure glaucoma. It is not as common as POAG and differs in that the pressure in the eye develops at a faster rate. This type is characterized by the iris and cornea not opening fully as they should. Treatment generally involves surgery to trim the outer edges of the iris. Symptoms can include blurred vision, headaches and nausea.

Other types of the disease can include normal tension, secondary, pigmentary, traumatic, and neovascular glaucomas.

Glaucoma can also be heredity, especially in those with a family history of the disease or of Japanese descent. Others at risk include those with heart problems or those who have suffered eye injuries.

Glaucoma symptoms may include blurred vision.
Glaucoma symptoms may include blurred vision.

Prevention is the key to keep from developing glaucoma in any form. Regular eye exams and talks with an eye specialist can help to diagnose the disease early enough for treatment. Glaucoma is the number one cause of blindness in the world and the second leading cause in the United States. With proper eye care, glaucoma-induced blindness can be prevented.

Discussion Comments

trekker

@anon50371- I took care of an elderly woman who suffered from glaucoma. Her symptoms included losing her peripheral vision and having blind spots in her line of sight. From a more general medical standpoint, the symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma. Effects, or symptoms, commonly include loss of vision, blurred vision, and sometimes pain from what I know.

If you are concerned about glaucoma eye disease and how it could affect you, I would say you should call your optometrist. He or she would be able to answer your questions in greater detail. There are also some medical resources on the internet that may be able to give you more information on the effects of the disease.

anon50371

i want to know the effects of glaucoma disease.

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    • Anatomy of a healthy human eye.
      Anatomy of a healthy human eye.
    • An eye exam can check for glaucoma.
      By: Remzi
      An eye exam can check for glaucoma.
    • Glaucoma symptoms may include blurred vision.
      By: Africa Studio
      Glaucoma symptoms may include blurred vision.
    • Nausea can be a symptom of acute glaucoma.
      By: ftlaudgirl
      Nausea can be a symptom of acute glaucoma.
    • The loss of peripheral vision is usually the first sign of glaucoma.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      The loss of peripheral vision is usually the first sign of glaucoma.
    • Common symptoms of acute glaucoma include blurry vision, headaches, and nausea.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Common symptoms of acute glaucoma include blurry vision, headaches, and nausea.
    • Open-angle glaucoma responds well to medical treatment if diagnosed early.
      By: Peter Orsaeo Sr
      Open-angle glaucoma responds well to medical treatment if diagnosed early.