Glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States, is an eye disease that can lead to a permanent loss of vision.

This disease has been labeled the “Sneak Thief of Sight” because in its most typical form, there are no symptoms — no pain, no swelling, no redness. Patients with glaucoma may not notice symptoms until vision has been permanently lost.

Glaucoma is a disease process that progressively damages the optic nerve, the structure that transmits the visual stimulus from the eye to the brain. Most patients with glaucoma have elevated intraocular pressure.. Every eye has fluid, called aqueous humor, which is constantly being produced as well as constantly being drained.

In a glaucomatous eye, this fluid does not drain properly resulting in an increase in the pressure inside the eye. This increased pressure destroys vision gradually, usually starting with the peripheral (side) vision. If left untreated, it will lead to eventual blindness by destroying the optic nerve. With early diagnosis and treatment, useful vision may be preserved.

The only known treatment for glaucoma is to lower the intraocular pressure. Typically we attempt to lower the intraocular pressure with eye drop medications. This works in most cases but sometimes we have to perform a surgery on the eye to lower the pressure.

There are four types of Glaucoma

• Chronic – This is the most common type of glaucoma and occurs slowly over time. There is no pain, redness, swelling or other symptoms.
• Acute – This happens suddenly and is very painful. Victims of an acute glaucoma attack may complain of serious headache and vomiting. Medical intervention is needed immediately to bring the pressure under control to prevent further vision loss.
• Congenital – Present at birth, congenital glaucoma is a rather rare condition.
• Secondary – Occurring as a result of systemic disease such as diabetes, from medications such as steroids, or from an eye injury.

Glaucoma occurs when the clear fluid that keeps the eye formed and nourished is unable to drain from the eye through the drainage system (Trabecular meshwork). Because the fluid is unable to drain, pressure builds in the eye and over time may cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Medication, laser surgery, or other glaucoma surgeries may be used to lower and control the intraocular pressure.