Alternative Names
Open-angle glaucoma; Chronic glaucoma; Closed-angle glaucoma; Congenital glaucoma; Angle closure glaucoma
Definition of Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that lead to damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. There are four major types of glaucoma:
Symptoms
OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
Signs and tests
An eye exam may be used to diagnose glaucoma. The doctor will need to examine the inside of the eye by looking through the pupil, often while the pupil is dilated. The doctor will usually perform a complete eye exam.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce eye pressure. Depending on the type of glaucoma, this is done using medications or surgery.
Expectations (prognosis)
Open-angle glaucoma:
Review
Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 8/6/2009
