Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. However, blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment. Glaucoma causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) occurs when the fluid in your eyes does not drain properly, resulting in damage to your optic nerve due to pressure build up, POAG is the most common glaucoma. POAG is painless and causes no change to your vision at first. However, over time glaucoma can severely impact your vision. With early detection it is possible to detect glaucoma at the onset or in the early stages, allowing for treatment to have the greatest impact.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG)

Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG) Happens when your iris is very close to the drainage angle in the eye, resulting in blockage of the drainage angle.

Signs of an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack:

• Sudden blurred vision
• Severe eye pain
• Headache
• You feel sick to your stomach (nausea)
• Vomiting
• Rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights

Many people with angle-closure glaucoma develop it slowly. This is called Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma (CACG). There are no symptoms at first, so they don’t know they it until the damage is severe or they have an attack.

Secondary Glaucomas

Secondary glaucomas can be caused by:
• Trauma
• Inflammation
• Tumors
• Vascular Retinopathy

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Comprehensive exam including visual field testing, imaging, and intraocular pressure measurement.
• Treatment options include daily medication, laser or surgical treatment.
• Continued reevaluation at intervals to monitor IP and the eye’s optic nerve.