Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an underestimated disease. Many people don’t realize the severity of glaucoma, or who is affected. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness and it is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

Glaucoma is a condition in which the passages that allow fluid in the eye to drain become clogged or blocked. The amount of fluid in the eye builds up and causes elevated pressure inside the eye. The elevated pressure damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain and is the main carrier of vision information to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve results in permanent vision loss.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Most people have NO symptoms until they begin to lose vision
Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision (also called tunnel vision)

ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA

Symptoms may come and go at first, or steadily become worse
Sudden, severe pain in one eye
Decreased or cloudy vision
Nausea and vomiting
Rainbow-like halos around lights
Red eye
Eye feels swollen

CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA

Symptoms are usually noticed when the child is a few months old
Cloudiness of the front of the eye
Enlargement of one eye or both eyes
Red eye
Sensitivity to light
Tearing