Glaucoma

Damage to the optic nerve from pressure build-up in the eye can lead to glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can cause irreversible blind spots in your vision if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Increase in eye pressure results from fluid build-up in the eye. The internal fluid of your eye normally drains out through a small channel, the trabecular meshwork, but when your eye produces too much fluid, or the channel is blocked, the fluid build builds up, causing increased pressure in the eye.

Types

Open-angle glaucoma, also known as wide-angle glaucoma, is the most common type. In cases of open-angle glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork is fine, but the fluid does not flow out of the eye like it should.

Angle-closure glaucoma, also known as closed-angle glaucoma, occurs when the iris bulges forward enough that it narrows the drainage channel, stopping fluid from circulating and draining.

Prevention & Treatment Options

Glaucoma can be inherited, meaning it can run in families. If you know your family has a history with glaucoma, you could be at an increased risk of developing the condition. It is important that you receive annual comprehensive eye exams detect glaucoma at an early stage before damage to your eyesight occurs.

Once diagnosed with glaucoma, treatment options are available to help prevent or slow vision loss. Treatment options range from eyedrops and oral medication to laser treatment or surgery. Depending on the severity of your case, your doctor will recommend the best course of action for you.