Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). This damage can lead to vision loss and, if untreated, blindness. It’s a leading cause of blindness worldwide, but early detection and treatment can help manage the condition.
There are different types of Glaucoma. Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, often developing slowly with few symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. It is caused by gradual clogging of the eye's drainage channels, leading to increased eye pressure; Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type occurs when the iris is too close to the drainage angle, which can block fluid drainage and cause a rapid increase in eye pressure, leading to severe pain and vision changes; Normal-Tension Glaucoma - In this form, optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure.
The exact cause is unknown, though it may be related to poor blood flow to the optic nerve and Secondary Glaucoma - This can result from other conditions or eye injuries that raise eye pressure, such as inflammation, cataracts, or diabetes.