Types of Glaucoma
When an ophthalmologist tells a patient, “You
have glaucoma,” the patient usually feels overwhelmed and
frightened by this information. Many people assume that a diagnosis
of glaucoma automatically means blindness. Putting a label on
glaucoma sounds very specific and final. However, there are different
types of glaucoma and treatments. While some types of glaucoma
take years to progress before a patient notices any loss of vision,
others may progress very rapidly. Thus, it is important to understand
what type of glaucoma the patient has, and what courses of treatment
are available.
Generally, glaucoma damage occurs when pressure
inside the eye is too high for the eye to tolerate. In a normal
eye, the fluid in the front part of the eye is produced and exits
the eye, and exerts just enough pressure to keep the eye properly
formed without damaging it. This fluid is called aqueous humor.
Thus, the amount of new aqueous being created by the eye is balanced
by the amount constantly draining out of the eye at a place called
the “angle”.
Simple or Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma
Approximately 90% of all glaucoma cases are open-angle.
This type of glaucoma is usually inherited and is characterized
by a gradual deterioration of vision. These patients respond well
to treatment which may include drops and medications to keep the
disease under control. In a few cases, surgery may be required
to allow fluid to pass more freely from the eye.
Acute or Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is a sudden and drastic increase
of pressure inside the eye which can do irreparable damage in
a very short period of time. When the actual drain or angle of
the eye becomes blocked, fluid will continue to be made at a normal
rate, but is unable to exit the eye. This causes the pressure
in the eye to build up to a harmful level. These patients may
experience very marked symptoms including severe pain, blurred
vision, and nausea. In just a matter of days, untreated angle-closure
glaucoma can result in irreversible blindness. For this reason,
treatment with medication is needed immediately followed by surgery.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma is caused by an outside factor
such as inflammation, tumors, or injuries to the eye. For example,
a blow to the eye may loosen the lens, allowing it to move forward
and push the angle closed. Diabetic patients may also be at risk
when abnormal blood vessels grow over the angle in such a way
to make scar formations which block the outflow of aqueous. Even
other eye surgeries or advanced stages of cataracts can cause
secondary glaucoma. Whenever a patient is at risk, due to injuries,
illness, or other factors, it is important to have an ophthalmologist
evaluate the patient’s condition.
Congenital Glaucoma
This disease is quite rare, but is present at birth.
An infant with enlarged eyes, excessive tearing, or unusual light
sensitivity may suffer from congenital glaucoma.
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Quick Links
Click the links below to learn more about some of the conditions
Green Bay Eye Clinic physicians specialize in.
Cataracts
Blepharoplasty
Glaucoma
Extraocular Muscles
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Retinal Detachment
Ocular Histoplasmosis
If there is a condition not listed here that you would like
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