Types of Glaucoma
- Chronic open-angle glaucoma: Most commonly, the “drainpipe” can become smaller with age, clogged by deposits which build up slowly. This partial blockage causes a gradual increase of pressure within the eye. This is known chronic open-angle glaucoma because it develops slowly over a period of time. Most adult glaucoma patients have this type of glaucoma.
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: In the eye, the iris may press up against the drainage area and close it off and block all outflow. Fluid backs up and increases eye pressure rapidly. Such a sudden, complete blockage of fluid flowing out of the eye results in acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Other conditions including injuries, certain drugs, hemorrhages, tumors, and inflammations can sometimes block outflow channels in the eye. This may increase inner eye pressure and lead to secondary glaucoma.
- Congenital Glaucoma: Here the drainage openings are abnormal from birth.
Symptoms of Chronic open-angle glaucoma
Usually no symptoms occur in chronic open-angle glaucoma and the patient is unaware of trouble until the optic nerve is badly damaged.
Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Blurred vision
- Sever pain in the eye
- Rainbow hallows around light
- Headache and Brow pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe Red Eye
Risk Factors
- History of Glaucoma in the family
- General health problems such as diabetes, hardening of the arteries, anemia.
- African-American patients
- High minus numbers – Myopia
- Increasing Age
- Patients using steroids
