The Four Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a type of eye condition which includes a number of eye diseases causing an increase in intraocular pressure or pressure in the eye. Our eyes are filled with humor which is a clear fluid that helps nourish the cornea and lens as well as in the maintenance of the eye’s shape. The ciliary body is responsible in secreting humor and the excess fluid is then drained through the front of the eyes.
For people with glaucoma, the humor is not properly drained away causing the fluids to accumulate and pressure to build inside the eye and eventually pinching the optic nerve and blood vessels. Since the humor can no longer circulate properly, nutrients will not also be transported to the nerves and blood vessels causing their cells to slowly die resulting to gradual loss of vision to total blindness.
Glaucoma is often detected when a person starts to develop irreversible vision loss where no surgical procedure or medical treatment can restore it. Generally, there are four different types of glaucoma.
The first one is the chronic simple glaucoma or the primary open angle glaucoma which is the most common among the four types. During the later stage of glaucoma, a person’s vision will begin to narrow until objects that are beyond the central vision can no longer become visible. People may describe their vision as if they are looking through a tunnel or cylinder. This type of glaucoma is usually associated with old age as the trabecular meshwork is becoming less efficient in draining aqueous humor from the anterior chamber resulting to the increase in intraocular pressure. When blindness sets in the person can suffer from painful absolute glaucoma.
The second is the congestive glaucoma or closure glaucoma which is quite common blinding eye disease in persons with clear ocular media but with reduced central or peripheral vision. This bilateral disease results when the iris suddenly blocks the trabecular meshwork causing outflow of humor and with an anterior chamber that is abnormally shallow.
The third one is the secondary glaucoma, which is a result of a variety of glaucomas from previous trauma or eye disease and can also develop from cataract, uveitis, etc.
The fourth type is the infantile glaucoma which is an inborn disability caused by blockage of an abnormal tissue resulting to the inability of the anterior chamber to drain the fluid. This condition is rare that requires surgical treatment at an early stage to prevent complete blindness. Babies with infantile glaucoma may have abnormally huge eyes, light sensitivity, and unclear cornea.
For early detection and treatment of glaucoma, it is important to regularly visit the Austin Optometrist for routine eye examination. The Austin Optometrist can help patients suffering from glaucoma to prevent immediate loss of vision through prompt and effective treatment.



The eyes are the mirror of the soul, take care of your eyes visit Austin Optometrist for a clearer vision.